At Schools
#RETHINKCANCER
The #RETHINKCANCER Campaign was set up in 2013 after seeing the positive response to our breast awareness sessions in schools. It was born from the idea that all young people should have the right to be educated about all types of cancer in schools, not just breast cancer.
#RETHINKCANCER Secondary School Pilot – 2015-2016
In September 2015, 16 teaching establishments across England took on the brief of introducing cancer education into their classrooms. Armed with only the resources and time the teachers could spare, they designed and taught lessons plans covering all aspects of cancer. To find out what they did and how the intervention influenced students’ checking behaviours and knowledge of cancer, read the report.
We asked that
- All student teachers are trained how to teach young people how to look after and manage their health
- All secondary school students have protected time in the school curriculum to learn how to look after and manage their health
- There is a creative approach taken to teaching cancer awareness and healthy behaviours that has impact and tangible benefit.
Why did we ask this?
- 1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. The sooner it is diagnosed the better the chances of survival.
- There is currently a severe lack of cancer awareness in schools. Lack of awareness leads to late presentation at your GP and ultimately to a late diagnosis of the disease.
- Half of the cancers diagnosed today could be prevented with a change in lifestyle, so isn’t it time we taught about healthy behaviours?
You helped make this a reality!
By contacting your local education authorities and asking what they do to ensure health education, including cancer, is on the curriculum, you helped the #RETHINKCANCER Campaign achieve its goal…
As of September 2020, health education is now compulsory in schools!
You can read all about it here.
What can you do next?
Head to our At Schools page to download our PSHE Association Quality Assured resources or book a breast awareness session. You can also order our awareness materials straight to your school.
If you’re involved in teacher training, we want to hear from you – email us at education@coppafeel.org.
Lastly, spread the word and let your school or teacher know about the resources and support we have to offer!