An adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer education initiative aimed at healthcare students in Japan

Background The focus on cancer in adolescents and young adults (AYA) has increased in recent years. We participated in an event called AYA week 2021 as part of a research project of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) and conducted a fact-finding survey to collect information for raising public awareness of AYA-generation cancers and to improve support for AYA-generation cancer patients. Methods A 25-item questionnaire survey was conducted through requests sent to the deans of medical schools and presidents of related universities across Japan and by advertising on social networking sites and friendship networks. Furthermore, the effects of a lecture given by three cancer survivors on their cancer experience were examined. Results A total of 1288 healthcare students participated. The most common age group was between 20 and 24 years, with the majority being medical students (83%). The AYA cancer-educated population had more knowledge about AYA-generation cancers than the overall group. At present, very few people are familiar with AYA-generation cancers (30.5%), which highlights the importance of school education. There were 163 participants who attended the lecture given by the cancer survivors, of whom 108 completed the questionnaire. The results showed high participant satisfaction related to the lecture given by cancer survivors, suggesting that such lectures could help educate and raise awareness about AYA-generation cancers. Conclusions The knowledge survey and lecture given by cancer survivors had educational effects. Many healthcare students responded positively, suggesting the efficacy of these types of initiatives.

Automated summary

The study conducted a questionnaire survey and a lecture by cancer survivors to explore the knowledge and acceptance of healthcare students towards AYA-generation cancers. The results showed that the population educated about AYA cancers had more knowledge about AYA-generation cancers, but the current awareness about AYA-generation cancers is still limited, emphasizing the importance of school education. The lecture by cancer survivors received high participant satisfaction and helped to raise awareness about AYA-generation cancers.