Knowledge of High School Students About Cancers of the Genital System

Cancers of the genital tract are one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in women in the fourth-fifth decade of life. The incidence of cancers of this system in men is also increasing, testicular cancer in the younger age groups, and prostate cancer in the fifth and subsequent decades of life. The purpose of this study was to analyse knowledge of college students about genital system cancer risk factors. The study included 3108 adolescents aged 15-19 years, students of the first and final grades of 20 high schools located in Mazovia (Poland). The participants were asked about their knowledge regarding cancer risk factors like genetics, stress, smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, oral contraceptives, microorganisms and frequent changes of sexual partners. More than 50% of participants properly idenified risk factors, but more than half did not understand the difference between cancer of the reproductive system and cancer of other organs. It means, that knowledge of the risk factors is not sufficient. It turned out that the most important source of information for young people are teachers, followed by books, television, the internet and medical services. Family members proved to be insignificant as a source of information, with only 10% of respondents indicating them. It seems to be necessary to supplement school education programs with regularly repeated information on genital system cancers and the need for their early detection, which can play a huge role in keeping the population as healthy as possible.