children’s perception of cancer and survivors after a cancer education program engaging with survivors: a qualitative study

Background: in japan, cancer education utilizing external lecturers are being promoted as part of cancer control measures.the objective of this study was to clarify children’s perceptions of cancer and survivors and their awareness of actions for earlyprevention and detection of cancer after participating in a cancer education program engaging with survivors.methods: this study was conducted during january and march 2020, using the qualitative analysis method. homeroom teachersgave a lesson on cancer to sixth-grade students (n=69) at an elementary school in japan. two weeks later, a cancer survivor gavea follow-up class. then an inductive content analysis was conducted on the content of the post-class reflection worksheets writtenby students.results: after analyzing the worksheets of 59 students, they learned that “to reduce the risk of developing cancer, one shouldlead a healthy lifestyle” and “strive for early detection through cancer screening” through the education program. as things theycan do themselves in the future, they listed “encourage family members to get cancer screenings,” “quit smoking,” and “cut backon alcohol.” in addition, children have deepened their understanding of cancer survivors and learned the importance of theirown and others’ lives.conclusion: the results suggested that children gained practical knowledge about cancer through the program and deepenedtheir understanding of cancer and survivors by directly interacting with and listening to survivors.