Preparing Health Education Majors for Cancer Prevention and Control

Background: The gap in what is known about cancer prevention and control and the behaviors in the general public creates a unique opportunity for health educators to educate and motivate Americans toward behavior change that may reduce cancer risks throughout the lifespan. Objectives: 1) To assess students' perceived academic preparation to position them to plan, implement, and evaluate cancer education and prevention programs; and 2) To assess their interest in participating in an undergraduate scholars program in cancer prevention and control. Methods: A convenient sample of 260 undergraduate students enrolled in health education programs at six universities completed a self-administered survey. The schools were(Ball State University, Florida A&M University, Texas A&M University, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, University of Florida, and Western Washington University. Results: Most students (67%) were unaware of the career possibilities cancer prevention and control, but 50% were willing to consider careers in these areas. The majority of students rated their academic programs highly (good to excellent) on preparing them to: educate adults on the dangers of tobacco (85%), educate children and youth on the dangers of tobacco (83%), educate about smoking (79%), alcohol cessation (74%), educate about dangers of sun exposure (71%), educate clients on reducing cancer risks (70%), communicate cancer risks, (69%), and educate about role of diet in cancer prevention (68%). However, most rated their academic programs from poor to fair on preparing them to: implement cancer education, screening, and prevention programs (52%) and developing cancer education, screening, and prevention programs (51%). Courses that provided moderate to high amounts of information on cancer were: personal and family health (64%), nutrition education (61 %), community health (58%), human sexuality (58%), women's health (56.8%), drug education (56.5%), emotional health (56.5%), chronic diseases (56%), and environmental health (41%). Most students (75%) would be willing to participate in an intensive undergraduate certificate program in cancer prevention and control. Most would be motivated to participate for the following reasons: good resume builder (82%), receive course credit (80%), receive a certificate (75%), very little out of pocket expenses (74%), and helping to advance future career. Most cited the following barriers: out of pocket expenses (81%), class conflicts (75%), time of year the program was offered (58%), and a busy academic calendar (53%). Implications: Expanding career opportunities for health educators in cancer prevention and control will be discussed.