One way in which people can challenge healthcare disparities, particularly for cancer, is to develop health awareness and literacy. Examples of this include recognizing early signs of cancer, following good healthcare behaviors, seeking preventative care and screenings, moderating the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes, and challenging the social pressure females experience to fulfill mothering roles at the expense of their health.
 
To improve cancer literacy and health behaviors, healthcare professionals propose that young adolescents and college-age individuals should be targeted to receive information and resources to enhance their healthcare literacy. However, it is not known to what extent this group is aware of basic facts regarding cancer and what treatment options are available in their communities.
 
A team of scientists from Eastern Kentucky University (Jerry Derringer, Lisa Middleton) and the University of Kentucky (Nathan Vanderford and Lindsay Cormier) used a survey to measure the cancer literacy level of 139 college students and compare it by certain demographic and geographical factors. The survey included demographic questions, a female-focused cancer literacy test, and questions pertaining to cancer care access. Their findings were published in the Journal of American College Health.
 
The researchers concluded that the participants' cancer literacy was low. The total average score on the cancer literacy survey was about 67%, or 13.5 out of 20 points. Although Appalachian and non-Appalachian residents obtained similar scores, female participants and those majoring in nursing, biomedical sciences, biology, and veterinary science scored significantly better.
 
The survey also revealed that about 67% of respondents were not aware of free mobile mammography units in Kentucky. Regardless of gender, inadequate access to health services was reported significantly higher by Appalachian students compared to non-Appalachian ones.
 
Based on the findings, the researchers propose school districts consider adding cancer literacy lessons into school curricula. For instance, a successful pilot intervention to enhance cancer literacy among Kentucky middle and high school students has already been evaluated and reported in the literature. They would also like to expand their research to related health literacy topics, like human papillomavirus.

 

The picture on the left shows two cancer tumors, a two-weeks and four-weeks growth. On the right, the cross section of a tumor is shown. All rules are in centimeter. Photo courtesy of Dr. Lindsay Cormier.