2024 World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) - Posters-P2.16D.01 Changes in Students' Perceptions of Cancer Through Cancer Education and Lectures by External Instructors with Cancer Experience

P2.16D.01 Changes in Students' Perceptions of Cancer Through Cancer Education and Lectures by External Instructors with Cancer Experience

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The document reports on a study conducted to assess the impact of cancer education on students' perceptions of cancer. Implemented by the Kanagawa Cancer Patients Association and other related organizations, the program involved lectures from individuals with cancer experiences, aimed at reshaping students' stereotypical views of cancer.<br /><br />The study involved pre- and post-education surveys at 29 schools, with 1,485 students participating in the initial survey and 1,375 in the follow-up. The analysis targeted shifts in how students perceive people with cancer.<br /><br />Key findings from the survey indicate a significant change in students' perceptions post-education:<br /><br />1. The belief that individuals with cancer are "bedridden or hospitalized" significantly decreased from 50.1% to 31.6% after the education (p=0.0251).<br /><br />2. The perception of "no difference just because of cancer" significantly increased from 22.2% to 45.1% (p=0.0297), suggesting a move towards viewing cancer patients as still capable of leading normal lives.<br /><br />3. There was a notable decrease in the sentiment "I feel sorry for them," from 46.5% to 29.7% (p=0.0545), indicating a shift away from pity.<br /><br />4. Observations about patients "smoking or drinking too much" showed a trend towards reduction from 26.6% to 21.3% (p=0.0911), suggesting a softening of the stigma linking cancer with lifestyle choices.<br /><br />The survey concludes that firsthand accounts from cancer-experienced lecturers significantly altered students’ misconceptions, combating stereotypes and promoting a more informed and empathetic understanding of cancer. The research implies that education involving personal experiences is effective in addressing prejudices about cancer, dissociating the disease from lifestyle blame. No conflicts of interest were disclosed in relation to this presentation.

Asset Subtitle

Kazuo Hasegawa

Meta Tag

Speaker Kazuo Hasegawa

Topic Patient Advocacy

Keywords

cancer education

students' perceptions

Kanagawa Cancer Patients Association

stereotypical views

pre- and post-education surveys

cancer misconceptions

empathy

personal experiences

stigma reduction

lifestyle blame