Cancer Education Outcomes and Risk Perception Among 11th Grade Students in Japan: A Second National Survey

In Japan, the National Cancer Control Plan established cancer education as a foundational pillar; however, the effects of its implementation remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to describe cancer education outcomes and cancer perceptions among high school students in a nationwide survey. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 11th-grade students in Japan. In total, 13,089 participants completed a 36-item questionnaire on cancer prevention, screening, treatment, survivorship, and literacy. We then analyzed sex differences and independent factors associated with accurate cancer risk perception. Only 32.7% of students showed accurate cancer risk perception. Significant sex differences were observed across most categories. Notably, compared with the 2022 baseline survey, the proportion of students with accurate risk perception increased by approximately 2% points. Discussing cancer-related topics with family or friends was positively associated with accurate risk perception. Additionally, cancer knowledge, including treatment and prevention, improved with the full implementation of cancer education guidelines. However, the proportion of students with accurate risk perception remains suboptimal. Emphasizing the distinction between risks and attribution of disease occurrence warrants greater attention in cancer education.