[Importance for Cancer Education for Schoolchildren]

Since the cancer incidence rate is generally very low in individuals aged 10 to 40 years, social concern for cancer prevention education for schoolchildren is likely to be insufficient in Japan.This paper presents epidemiological evidence to stress the importance of preferable health perceptions and behaviors in schoolchildren for the prevention of tobacco-related cancer, abnormal body mass index-related cancer, and cervical cancer.To improve the effectiveness of cancer education for schoolchildren, it is important to monitor their health perceptions and behaviors at least until junior high school.When a goal is set for the reduction of cancer incidence, it takes a very long time (at least 50 years).Therefore, the vision regarding cancer education for schoolchildren should not be changed for at least 50 years, whereas the methods and contents should be revised appropriately.