Introduction of Cancer Education Program in Secondary School Curriculum: Perceptions of Education Teachers and Policymakers in Oman.

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of cancer is expected to increase worldwide for reasons related to a lack of awareness of cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Implementing cancer education programs in schools in the developing countries with similar demographic, economic, and health transition to that of Oman is crucial for enhancing students' cancer knowledge and promoting healthy behavior. This study aims to explore the perceptions of education, policymakers, and teachers regarding the inclusion of cancer education in secondary school curriculum. The study employed a qualitative method, conducting semi-structured interviews with ten education policymakers and ten school teachers. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed verbatim and qualitatively using the framework approach. Three main themes have emerged (1) perception of the importance of cancer education inclusion within the school curriculum, (2) the perception of cancer education implementation in schools, and (3) the perceived challenges of introducing cancer education in schools. Policymakers and teachers in Oman recognize the importance of cancer education in schools and emphasized the need to prioritize it due to the increasing prevalence of the disease and the belief that negative lifestyle habits played a role in its increased prevalence. Implementing cancer education programs in schools is essential in improving students' knowledge of cancer and health behaviors. Collaboration between the department of school health in ministry of education and in ministry of health and incorporating cancer education into different school activities can be beneficial. However, the perceived challenges of cancer education in schools include the decision on the priority of cancer education among other topics, the required procedures to introduce cancer education in schools, and the financial and logistics obligations of implementing cancer education programs. Therefore, addressing the financial and logistic requirements is essential to overcome the associated challenges for implementing cancer education programs within the school curriculum.