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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2014

Open Access 01-12-2014 | Research article

Be smart against cancer! A school-based program covering cancer-related risk behavior

Authors: Friederike Stölzel, Nadja Seidel, Stefan Uhmann, Michael Baumann, Hendrik Berth, Jürgen Hoyer, Gerhard Ehninger

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Background

Several studies suggest that most school-age children are poorly informed about cancer risk factors. This study examines the effectiveness of the ‘Be smart against cancer’ (BSAC) program in promoting cancer awareness and intentions to engage in health-promoting behavior.

Methods

235 seventh-grade students were randomized to either the intervention (N = 152) or the wait-control group (N = 83). The intervention included the modules: “What is cancer?,” “Sun protection,” “Non smoking,” and “Physical activity, Healthy nutrition, and Limited alcohol consumption.” Outcomes measured at baseline and at the end of the one week BSAC program included knowledge of cancer and its behavioral risk factors, health-promoting intentions, and reported risk behavior.

Results

BSAC was effective in increasing knowledge about cancer and risk factors for cancer (p < .001), as well as in increasing intentions to engage in health-promoting behavior (p < .001), independent of a student’s risk profile. Knowledge did not serve as a mediator for intention building.

Conclusions

The BSAC is an effective school-based program for raising awareness of cancer, associated risk factors and intentions to engage in cancer-preventive behavior. The results indicate that the effectiveness of BSAC is independent of a student’s risk profile. Therefore, it holds considerable promise as a broadly applicable program to raise cancer awareness and promote healthy behavior intentions.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Be smart against cancer! A school-based program covering cancer-related risk behavior
Authors
Friederike Stölzel
Nadja Seidel
Stefan Uhmann
Michael Baumann
Hendrik Berth
Jürgen Hoyer
Gerhard Ehninger
Publication date
01-12-2014
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-14-392

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