The purpose of this review was to establish what cancer education programs have been carried out aimed at adolescents and young adults (AYAs) and what outcomes they achieved. The databases used were MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Web of Science, and the search period was set as 2011-2020. The extracted literature was evaluated for quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tools. The subjects of the analysis were 29 studies: 10 randomized controlled trials and 19 quasi-experimental designs. Regarding the varieties of cancers found in the data, in descending order, 10 documents looked at cervical cancer, 9 looked at cancer in general, and 4 looked at breast cancer. Most studies focused on AYAs exclusively, with just three studies involving their parents simultaneously. Many studies used lecture-based intervention, with information technology-based interventions using websites and cell phones. Topics included in the program were cancer epidemiology, cancer risk factors, cancer warning signs and symptoms, prevention methods, and screening methods. After the intervention, all studies showed statistically significant improvements in at least one outcome measure, which included knowledge and awareness of cancer, health beliefs, and intent to take preventive action, demonstrating a basis for educational intervention. Educating AYAs about cancer at a time when their ways of life are becoming more concrete can be expected to have a positive impact on cancer preventing behaviors in adulthood, increase their parents' awareness of cancer, and have a positive impact on behavior around screening.
Keywords: cancer awareness; cancer knowledge; health education; prevention; scoping review.