Review of preventive and educational programs referring to healthy eating and physical activity implemented in primary schools in the city of Bytom (in the context of cancer prevention)

The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, including cancers, is becoming a very serious public health problem. The main risk factor in its etiology is life style including unhealthy diet and low level of physical activity. Knowledge and health awareness regarding this issue is an essential element of oncological prevention and education aimed at changing people’s behaviour toward health-oriented. Presented results are a part of broader diagnostic activities undertaken within the Onkogranty II project. They include an analysis of internal and external preventive programs implemented in schools in Bytom in the context cancer risk factors such as low physical activity and unhealthy diet. The analysis shows that in the surveyed schools many activities are undertaken to promote a healthy diet and physical activity, but in most cases there is no reference to the cancer prevention. Many initiatives are action-based, not supported by the diagnosis of the school community’s health needs. The results obtained show that the selection of a preventive program should be preceded by a diagnosis of the needs of both students, parents and the entire school/local community. After its implementation, it would be necessary to evaluate the actions taken to assess the effectiveness of the program and introduce the necessary modifications. It is also worth taking care of regularity and helicity of the transmitted content in order to consolidate and systematize the knowledge and skills of students. Above all, taking into account epidemiological data on the prevalence of cancer, content related to oncological prevention should be included in school’s preventive and educational programs as well as in health education.