Knowledge of the European Code against Cancer in sixth-form pupils and teachers in Asturias (Spain)

Cancer is the second major cause of death in Spain and in most industrialized countries. It is also the main cause of premature death. The objective of this study was to evaluate what is known and practiced of the European Code against Cancer by students and teachers of the final course of secondary education in Asturias (Spain). Two questionnaires (the official one given by the European Code against Cancer and another, designed by us) were given to a representative sample of 695 students and 160 teachers. The mean score of knowledge for teachers and pupils, respectively, was 6.41 and 5.05, out of a possible maximum of 16 points. This difference was statistically significant (Student's t-test = 6.63; p > 0.0001). A relationship was also found in females between knowledge and practice in relation to food intake, tobacco and alcohol consumption, and cancer. Our results demonstrate a lack of knowledge and practice of the Code, which places at risk the main objective of the Europe against Cancer Programme to reduce cancer mortality by 15% by the year 2000. In our opinion more informational-educational programmes are therefore necessary.