"If I Start [Primary Prevention] Now, I Can Prevent [Cancer]": College Students Endorse Cancer Prevention Education

Early onset colorectal cancer has been linked to lifestyle-related risk factors. Emerging adulthood (ages 18-25) has the greatest changes to lifestyle health behaviors with implications for health outcomes. College students have moderate consideration of future cancer risk (CFC-CA) when navigating current health behavior choices. This study explored cancer prevention knowledge, attitudes and behavioral intentions in a subset of students with low, medium and high CFC-CA. Qualitative interviews were used to explore cancer prevention among a sample of college students. We identified a stratified sample (N = 43) of high CFC-CA (n = 16), medium CFC-CA (n = 14), and low CFC-CA (n = 13) students who agreed to complete a 60-min interview on Zoom. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and transcripts were coded using an iterative, line-by-line approach. Group comparisons were completed after coding was complete. Students exhibited greatest awareness of highly publicized cancers including the lung, breast, and skin. Fifty-four percent of those with low CFC-CA and 87% with high CFC-CA believe that their current health behavioral intentions are protective against cancer. Most students want more cancer education regardless of CFC-CA level to know how they can reduce their cancer risk. Differences in preferred information sources (indirect vs direct) were identified for low versus higher CFC-CA, respectively. Students' preferences for cancer education were related to their CFC-CA scores. This could be used to tailor information content and delivery modality. Delivering cancer prevention education through means that facilitate internal reflection may be more effective for improving risk reduction behaviors.