Resources

The Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT) ‘What is Cancer?’ lesson plans are designed to increase KS3 students’ understanding of cancer, help them to identify the most common signs in teenagers and to feel more comfortable discussing the topic and seeking help, while challenging some common misconceptions. A well planned PSHE education curriculum provides the ideal context for this learning, as it develops understanding of key concepts relating to healthy lifestyles and help-seeking.

The health education aspect of PSHE will be mandatory from 2020 and schools will be expected to cover cancer and contributory factors, so these lessons (including activities, worksheets and videos) provide timely support. These free-to-download lessons have been fully updated for 2019 and will help you to:

• Explain what cancer is and identify key facts
• Raise awareness of common forms of cancer, how they occur and typical warning signs
• Improve confidence to access health services and speak to medical professionals about health concerns

PSHE Association Subject Specialist Jenny Fox says:
“These lessons take a sensitive and thoughtful approach to a particularly sensitive aspect of the PSHE curriculum. They help to tackle the stigma surrounding discussions about cancer, challenge common myths and misconceptions, alert young people to warning signs and build confidence to seek medical advice should they be concerned. Throughout the lessons, information is presented in supportive, easy to access materials which have been carefully designed to reassure, rather than prompt concern. It was a pleasure to work with the Teenage Cancer Trust to develop such a well planned resource for schools and we are delighted to grant it the PSHE Association Quality Mark.”