Análise das variáveis associadas aos fatores de risco e medidas de prevenção ao câncer em adolescentes de quatros escolas de referência em ensino médio do Recife

Abstract

Cancer in children and adolescents is the second cause of death among children and adolescents in Brazil. Several risk factors, such as genetic and immunological predisposition and environmental exposure to genotoxic agents, may contribute to the onset of cancer in this population. The main causes of death from cancer in children and adolescents are leukemia, central nervous system tumors and bone cancer, in both sexes. School is an important space in the formation of adolescents and in their transition to adulthood. According to psychoanalyst Erik Erikson, in his theory of psychosocial development, the most important task of adolescence is the construction of identity. During adolescence, physical, behavioral and biological changes occur, in addition to the consumption of psychoactive substances (nicotine, alcohol and cocaine) and risky habits that can compromise the quality of life and lead to the development of diseases. The objective of this work is to carry out activities on risk factors and measures to protect against cancer in four schools in the city of Recife. Activities included lectures, games, quizzes and debates. The topic addressed was cancer in children and adolescents, with emphasis on risk factors, prevention and epidemiological data from Pernambuco. The study was quantitative, with data collection through objective questions in the questionnaires. Two questionnaires were carried out, one before and the other after activities. The previous questionnaire was answered by 742 students, revealing that students have some knowledge about what cancer is, but are unaware that it is the main cause of death in young people. There have been differing opinions about whether environmental factors can cause the disease. The main risk factors identified were smoking, solar radiation, alcohol, ultra-processed foods and chronic diseases. Students find out about the disease through social networks, internet and TV. Regarding vaccination, many have taken doses against HPV and some against HBV, but they are not aware of the importance of these vaccines. They understand the importance of healthy eating, physical activity, vaccinations and not smoking for cancer prevention. The final questionnaire was answered by 674 high school students, who considered the intervention excellent and who expanded their knowledge about cancer. They realized the relevance of the theme in schools and were willing to disseminate the information, in addition to recognizing their susceptibility to risk factors and expressing their intention to change their habits.