Cancer in adolescents and young adults: Role of schools in raising awareness.

Abstract

e24070 Background: Patients diagnosed with cancer as adolescents or young adults (AYA: 15-39yo) have unique developmental needs (psychosocial, fertility preservation), and historically did not experience the improvements in survival observed in other age groups. Thus, the National Cancer Institute views AYA as a vulnerable group. Youth leadership students at Vestavia Hills High School (VHHS) promote philanthropy and community outreach via a service learning effort (“RISE”). RISE has supported the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center AYA Oncology & Oncofertility Program since 2019. This project aimed to evaluate AYA cancer knowledge among area high school students and the association between RISE participation and AYA cancer awareness. Methods: A student designed cross-sectional electronic survey was distributed by student champions to current students or recent graduates from Birmingham-area (AL) high schools. Surveys captured demographics, AYA cancer knowledge, information sources, attitudes, and perceptions. VHHS students were also asked about RISE participation. Multivariable logistic regression examined the association between RISE participation and AYA cancer knowledge. Results: The majority of survey respondents (n = 87), were in 12 th grade (71.3%) with 14.9% recent graduates. The majority were 17yo (51.7%) and female (56.3%). Most were white (88.5%) and non-Hispanic (96.5%). VHHS represented 54% of students, among whom 95.7% were RISE participants. Most students accurately defined cancer (95.4%), considering it extremely serious (87.4%). While most (94.3%) had heard of cancer in AYAs, less (47.1%) believed causes differ from those in adults > 40. Over half (51.7%) were aware of early signs and symptoms and considered it curable (55.2%). The most common information sources were school (67.8%), internet/social media (73.6%), and family (79.3%), with 78.2% considering these sources trustworthy. Many believed schools should teach more about cancer (88.5%) and were interested in learning more (81.6%). RISE participation was associated with higher odds of recognising AYAs as a unique cancer group (adjusted odds ratio = 2.8, 95% Confidence Interval: 1.1-7.4; p = 0.04) adjusting for age, sex, and race. Conclusions: Adolescents are aware of the prevalence and potential signs of cancer in AYAs. However, high school students exposed to an AYA cancer campaign were more likely to recognise AYAs as a unique cancer group. Although schools were identified as a key source of information, the majority of students believed further efforts by schools could increase AYA cancer knowledge and awareness and expressed their willingness to learn more. This work underscores schools as an effective platform for raising AYA cancer awareness among high school-aged students.