Gary Chovnick, MPH, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 901 Boren Avenue, Suite 1320, Seattle, WA 98102, 206-667-2300, chovnick@u.washington.edu and David Grembowski, PhD, Department of Health Services, University of Washington, Box 357660, Seattle, WA 98195.

At the beginning of the 21st century cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. It is now a widely accepted notion that cancer is mostly a preventable disease, and much of the risks can be reduced through healthy behaviors (Go, et al., 2001). The three most significant behaviors include attention to nutrition, refraining from tobacco use, and engaging in physical activity. These three behaviors are not only a problem in the adult population but are also a problem among youth. To help address these problems in youth, the Northwest Division of the American Cancer Society developed Speak Out!, a youth-driven cancer advocacy program. This process evaluation was intended to examine more closely the youth involved in Speak Out! The evaluation was conducted via a mail survey of youth who were members in the program.

Findings indicated that youth were feeling disconnected to the program especially in terms of communication, dialogue and participation in activities. However, despite most youth not being very active in the program, overall satisfaction with Speak Out! was relatively high. Findings indicated that youth might feel more connected to Speak Out! through having a more formal orientation to the program, improving communications, and providing more ongoing information such as through the Internet. A limitation of the study was a low survey response rate. Results have been used by the American Cancer Society to make improvements to the program. A follow up evaluation is planned.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Understand the importance of cancer prevention in youth
• 2. Recognize the benefits of youth development programs
• 3. Identify ways to improve programs working with youth

Keywords: Youth, Cancer Prevention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: American Cancer Society
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.