Background: Early sexual reproductive health (SRH) education is linked to a reduction in risky sexual behaviors. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are rising at alarming rates. Risky sexual behaviors, including initiation of sex before age 13, having more than four sexual partners, and lack of use of condoms, increase the chance of infection…

Background: This study examined implementation of district sun safety policy in schools and tested correlates of implementation in California public school districts. Methods: Principals (N = 118) and teachers (N = 113) in California public elementary schools (N = 118) were recruited and completed a survey on sun protection policies and practices.…

Background: Because human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine rates remain low, we evaluated US school nurses' knowledge, attitudes, perceptions of their role as opinion leaders, and professional practice regarding HPV vaccine, and assessed whether knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of being an opinion leader influenced their professional…

Background: When used appropriately, sunscreen decreases the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure to the skin and is recommended to prevent skin cancer. This study examined the association between annual average UV index and sunscreen use among White, non-Hispanic youth. Methods: The 2007 and 2009 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey…

Background: School-based human papillomavirus (HPV)/cervical cancer vaccination programs have been implemented widely, but few studies have investigated the knowledge and views of school staff about this new vaccine. Methods: Prior to the introduction of the HPV vaccine in 2009, we surveyed staff at 14 socioeconomically diverse schools to assess…

This article presents a teaching technique that aims to demonstrate pedagogy consistent with the characteristics of effective health education curricula that is student-centered, builds personal and social competence, and embeds assessment throughout the learning process. This teaching technique is appropriate for middle and high school students…

Background: Cigarette use remains the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Although school is an ideal setting for antismoking interventions, school-based programs have not been successful in the long term. The purpose of this study was to explore characteristics of programs deemed to be successful short-term Research-Tested…

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus responsible for cervical cancer, is the most common viral sexually transmitted infection in the United States. A vaccine was approved in 2006 that is effective in preventing the types of HPV responsible for 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts. Proposals for routine and mandatory HPV…

Background: Sun-induced skin damage, which increases skin cancer risk, is initiated in early life and promoted through later sun exposure patterns. If sun safety determinants are well understood and addressed during the school years, skin cancer incidence might be reduced. This study tested psychosocial influences on youth's sun safety and…

A description is given of a course designed to provide school nurses with an expanded knowledge about cancer and to improve negative attitudes. (JD)

Comparison of Black adolescents' and White adolescents' cancer knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs found that, although subjects typically obtained their knowledge from the same sources, groups differed in terms of knowledge about warning signs, cue to action, perceived barriers, susceptibility, severity, and benefits. (Author/CB)

This article describes an annual program, for teachers and nurses of elementary school cancer patients, that: (1) facilitates understanding of the educational and social needs of such students; (2) provides updated information about childhood malignancy; and (3) addresses the concerns of teachers and nurses. (Author/CJB)

The American Cancer Society is initiating an educational program on childhood cancer to (1) inform teachers of the cancer problem, progress and treatment, and detection procedures; (2) facilitate the patient's return into the classroom; and (3) provide general cancer information to school personnel, students, and the public. (MB)

A literature review was conducted to examine the major curricula and instructional materials dealing with cancer etiology and prevention. Information is provided on background of cancer prevention, knowledge and attitudes of adolescents, and a justification for cancer education in schools. Recommendations for action are offered. (Author/DF)

A scale was developed to measure college students' attitudes toward cancer and cancer prevention. The three components of attitude were feeling (affective), belief (cognitive), and intention to act (conative). Development of the scale is discussed. (DF)