|
|
|
New Resource Launched to Help Prevent Cancer in Young People
By Eilish Martin, 3/1/2005 4:27:36 PM
|
Today, Cool Fm DJ Sonya Mac helped the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) launch an exciting new cancer prevention resource for youth called Need2Know in Sullivan Upper School, Holywood.
Need2Know adopts an active learning approach for young people between the ages of 11-18 years old on how to reduce and prevent behaviours that contribute to the development of cancer. These include tobacco use, alcohol misuse, unhealthy dietary practices, sedentary lifestyles, sexual behaviour that causes disease and overexposure to the sun.
This initiative is funded by the Big Lottery Fund, via the Eastern Health and Social Services Board (EHSSB) and is managed and implemented by UCF.
Clare Smith, Cancer Prevention Officer and Project Co-ordinator, UCF said, Need2Know aims to increase knowledge, address attitudes and change behaviour in young people, to help prevent many cancers. We are delighted that our collaborative efforts have produced an innovative, holistic approach to cancer prevention for our youth in Northern Ireland.
Need2Know is the result of a carefully planned health promotion strategy. Initial needs assessment with young people has given the project direction, while an advisory group of professionals has helped structure the initiative. Focus group research with young people in a variety of settings has designed a range of activities offered in the training resource to ensure that young people will receive information that is relevant to them in a way that is easily understood.
Recent research shows that two thirds of all cancers could be prevented if the information, lifestyles and policies advocated in this Need2Know initiative were adopted.
Dr Bernadette Cullen, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, EHSSB said, Research now provides us with more effective treatments leading to improved outcomes for many patients. However, in the long term, if we are to achieve a major reduction in the incidence of cancer among our population, we must address crucial prevention issues.
Clare Smith continued, You do not have to be an expert in the field of cancer to help prevent it. This pack is for anyone who is working with young people including teachers, youth workers, school nurses and community leaders. Its purpose is to provide the facilitator with a basic knowledge of cancer and the lifestyle choices that can help to prevent it. Adolescence is a critical transition point from childhood into adult life and promoting healthy lifestyles at this stage can help encourage young people to make positive lifestyle choices that will continue into adulthood.
This resource has been approved by CEA and facilitators can be trained on how to use Need2Know by contacting Clare Smith at the Ulster Cancer Foundation on 028 9049 2007 or e-mail: claresmith@ulstercancer.org
-ends-
For further information please contact:
Derval Keenan, PR and Events Officer, Ulster Cancer Foundation on
028 9049 2007 / 07812 525531
OR
Clare Smith, Cancer Information Officer and Project Co-ordinator, Ulster Cancer Foundation on
028 9049 2007 or claresmith@ulstercancer.org
|
|
|
