MEDtube Science 2014 - Neoplasms – the state of knowledge among high school students

Background: Neoplasms are the second only to cardiovascular cause of mortality worldwide. This outlines neoplastic disease as a real social problem and an object of common interest. The aim of our research is to assess the state of knowledge about the neoplasms in high school students and their awareness of cancer risk.
Material and Methods: Authors prepared a questionnaire with 33 single choice questions concerning basic terminology, statistics of neoplasms, cancer risk factors and screening methods. Respondents were 409 students of Silesian high schools, aged 17 to 19.
Results: The results were summarized in four paragraphs as mentioned before (terminology, statistics, risk factors, screening). Obtained data were presented as the percentage value – the absolute number of answers to the number of respondents in group: male, female, comprehensive, technical-vocational schools and total.
Conclusion: High school students are familiar with elementary terms connected with neoplasms apart from ‘cancer’ definition. There are some ‘famous neoplasms’ like leukemia or cervical cancer, which are wrongly indicated as most common in Polish population. Our respondents are in general aware of cancer risk factors and screening methods. Educational programs undertaken among students between 17-19 years of age become a good moment to gain the cancer knowledge and awareness of this disease.