BACKGROUND: We evaluated students' perception of cancer causation among sixth-grade girls living in Wisconsin. METHOD: We asked female students to list up to 3 causes of cancer in a cross-sectional health survey. RESULTS: A total of 141 answers were given by 53 students. The most frequently listed causes of cancer were cigarette smoking (91%), drugs (32%), an unhealthy diet (25%), and heredity (25%). Less than 10% of students listed other potentially modifiable risk factors such as exercise, sun exposure, or alcohol consumption. CONCLUSION: Students in this study appeared to link a range of high-risk behaviors with health consequences, although the specific health risks may not be understood.
BACKGROUND: We evaluated students' perception of cancer causation among sixth-grade girls living in Wisconsin. METHOD: We asked female students to list up to 3 causes of cancer in a cross-sectional health survey. RESULTS: A total of 141 answers were given by 53 students. The most frequently listed causes of cancer were cigarette smoking (91%), drugs (32%), an unhealthy diet (25%), and heredity (25%). Less than 10% of students listed other potentially modifiable risk factors such as exercise, sun exposure, or alcohol consumption. CONCLUSION: Students in this study appeared to link a range of high-risk behaviors with health consequences, although the specific health risks may not be understood.
Authors: Emily L B Lykins; Lili O Graue; Emily H Brechting; Abbey R Roach; Celestine G Gochett; Michael A Andrykowski Journal: Psychooncology Date: 2008-10 Impact factor: 3.894