Evaluation of Assegai

Fear and lack of knowledge about cancers are causing many premature deaths. Assegai is a student involvement package about cancers, including a lecture, role play, information seeking, discussion and decision-making. It includes cancer, the cervical smear test, safety at work and carcinogens and smoking. Assegai was evaluated by pre- and post-tests with 16-year-olds in further education. Compared with control groups, these students showed greater knowledge, a less emotional attitude and better acceptance of the smear test. It is suggested that lessons involving students in active participation are more successful than didactic ones, not only in teaching about cancer, but also in helping students to communicate.