FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Byrd Cancer Education and Advocacy Foundation Co Authors Peer Reviewed Study on School Based Cancer Education
Published research highlights the importance of early cancer education, health literacy, and risk reduction awareness among adolescents
DREXEL HILL, PA, June 23, 2026 — Byrd Cancer Education and Advocacy Foundation is proud to announce the publication of its first peer reviewed research article, “Small Scale School Based Cancer Education to Improve Awareness and Risk Reduction Knowledge Among Adolescents: A Pilot Study,” in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
The study examined a brief cancer education program delivered to middle school students in Pennsylvania. The program was designed to be age appropriate and easy for schools to implement. The pilot study found that structured school based cancer education can improve student understanding of cancer, modifiable risk factors, genetic risk, HPV vaccination, sun safety, clinical trials, informed consent, and health self advocacy.
The study was authored by Nia Imani Bailey, Jenna Bucolo, Katelyn Bucolo, Brittnee Cannon, Samuel Elenwo, Monique Gary, Trudean Haye, and Rebecca Kusters. The research reflects Byrd Cancer Education and Advocacy Foundation’s continued commitment to advancing cancer education, prevention awareness, and community centered public health initiatives.
According to the study, correct understanding of cancer increased from 16 percent before the intervention to 100 percent after the intervention. Awareness of modifiable risk factors increased to 96 percent, sunscreen and UV protection knowledge increased to 90 percent, genetic testing and family risk awareness increased to 83 percent, and HPV vaccination understanding increased from 21 percent to 57 percent.
The findings support the need for larger studies to evaluate long term knowledge retention and behavior change while reinforcing the value of integrating cancer education into school based health programming.
For Byrd Cancer Education and Advocacy Foundation, this publication adds to the organization’s growing body of work focused on cancer education, advocacy, prevention awareness, and health equity. The study also highlights the importance of accessible, low resource educational models that can be adapted for schools and community settings.
The full article is available online at:
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/23/7/823
About Byrd Cancer Education and Advocacy Foundation
Byrd Cancer Education and Advocacy Foundation is committed to advancing cancer education, advocacy, and access to culturally relevant resources for communities impacted by cancer. Through education, outreach, navigation, and community partnerships, the Foundation works to improve awareness, support early detection, and connect individuals and families with meaningful cancer related information and support.
Media Contact:
Trudean Haye
Byrd Cancer Education and Advocacy Foundation
[email protected]
www.byrdcancerfoundation.org
