A critical review of Australian cancer organizations' public education material

Because of the potential benefits of primary prevention and early detection of cancer, a considerable proportion of the efforts of State cancer organizations has been directed towards public educational programs. The study aimed to determine the level of agreement in the messages contained in the written educational material of the State and Territory cancer organizations in Australia. Pamphlets and brochures dealing with primary and secondary prevention of breast, cervical, skin and bowel cancers were obtained. The materials were compared on a number of dimensions: the characteristics of people who are at increased risk of contracting the cancer, how to avoid the cancer through primary prevention, how and when to screen in the case of secondary prevention, and action to be taken if a sign or symptom indicative of cancer is discovered. The study found a lack of agreement in the messages of the State cancer organizations. Some hypotheses are suggested to explain the discrepancies. In addition, some suggestions for remedying this situation are provided.