Teach pupils the signs of cancer in school, urge parents
‘Teach pupils the signs of cancer at school’: Two thirds of parents want their children to learn about symptoms of the killer disease in the classroom
- More than 1,000 concerned mums and dads of 11 to 16 year olds were quizzed
- The survey was conducted by The Eve Appeal, a gynaecological cancer charity
- It is calling for signs of cancer to be added to the curriculum for all 10 year olds
Two thirds of parents say teachers should teach children about the symptoms of cancer in school, a poll has found.
More than 1,000 concerned mothers and fathers of 11 to 16 year olds were quizzed for the survey, commissioned by The Eve Appeal.
The gynaecological cancer charity is calling for signs of cancer to be added to the curriculum for all 10 year olds – before they start secondary school.
Nearly two thirds of parents polled claimed the signs and symptoms of cancer should be taught in PHSE lessons to their children (stock)
It revealed nearly a third of parents feel uncomfortable talking about cancer – which will strike 50 per cent of Britons at some point in their life – with their children.
And nearly two thirds of those polled claimed the signs and symptoms of cancer should be taught in PHSE lessons.
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Eighty per cent of parents said it was important for their children to learn about other illnesses and diseases which may strike them in the future.
Athena Lamnisos, chief executive of The Eve Appeal, said: ‘We want the next generation of children to be armed with knowledge that can help save lives.
‘A child’s relationship with their body is the longest one they will have – and we want schools to teach them how to respect and understand it.
‘We know early diagnosis is imperative to a better outcome for patients – especially with gynae cancers – and preventing cancer is what we, and parents, all want to see.
ARE ALL CHILDREN GOING TO BE TAUGHT ABOUT HEALTHY EATING?
The Department for Education announced in July that all schoolchildren are to be given lessons in mental health and healthy living.
Health education will become a mandatory part of the curriculum for every primary and secondary school in England from autumn 2020.
Classes will also cover mental health and physical health, such as the importance of exercise, healthy eating and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
The Eve Appeal’s Put Cancer On The Curriculum campaign is calling for the health education to include education on cancer, along with enhanced anatomical body knowledge.
‘Our priority now is to leverage the government’s current focus on this area of education and to ensure life-saving knowledge that will bolster health prevention are built in.
‘We’re recommending basic body knowledge is included from age seven and that cancer screening, prevention and signs and symptoms education begins at age 10.
‘It’s essential that these issues are taught in both age appropriate and taboo-busting ways. We must increase knowledge and reduce embarrassment.’
The Department for Education announced in July that all schoolchildren are to be given lessons in mental health and healthy living.
Health education will become a mandatory part of the curriculum for every primary and secondary school in England from autumn 2020.
Classes will also cover mental health and physical health, such as the importance of exercise, healthy eating and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
The Eve Appeal’s Put Cancer On The Curriculum campaign is calling for the health education to include education on cancer, along with enhanced anatomical body knowledge.
Dr Bella Smith, an NHS GP, said: ‘If we can talk to children openly, honestly and without embarrassment they can learn what is normal in their development and in their health.
‘This teaches them to take responsibility for their own health and to be in control of their bodies. We don’t need to scare them.
”In fact, the more aware of their health they are, and the more that they are comfortable discussing their health, the more likely they will be able to detect an abnormality early.
‘This is so critical for parts of the body that might be seen as ‘embarrassing’ to talk about.’
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