The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #63676

Christine Makosky Daley, MA, SM, Department of Anthropology, University of Connecticut, 354 Mansfield Road, U-2176, Storrs, CT 06269-2176, 860-429-1344, christine.daley@uconn.edu

Although the majority of cancers affect people more as they get older, young people are still at risk for several potentially deadly cancers, including breast, cervical, and testicular cancers. Risk for breast cancer increases with age, but the age at diagnosis is lowering. Diagnostic techniques allow for earlier detection of breast cancers at their most treatable stages, often found in young women. Cervical cancer is currently most often diagnosed in women in their 20s and 30s thanks to enhanced screening techniques that can detect the disease very early, often before the cells have become invasive. Testicular cancer is a disease of young men, most often diagnosed between ages 20 and 40, and incidence rates are on the rise. It is currently unknown what college age men and women know about these three cancers. For this reason, any potential educational materials cannot be designed specifically for these groups. To fill this gap in the literature and determine how to educate college students, 3500 college students were surveyed at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Connecticut, to determine knowledge of risk factors, diagnostic options, and treatment options, as well as beliefs about mortality and prevention. In addition, 12 focus groups totaling 60 students (30 male, 30 female) were conducted to determine how to best reach and educate this population. It was determined that college students have little knowledge about these cancers and could benefit from broad-based education. Potential education includes peer educators, guest lectures from survivors, cancer components in classes, and posters.

Learning Objectives:

• To understand what college students know about breast, cervical, and testicular cancers.
• To suggest ways to educate college students about breast, cervical, and testicular cancers.

Keywords: College Students, Cancer

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.