LOS ANGELES, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- A U.S. study found African-Americans of varying ages improved their knowledge of cancer by 36 percent after taking part in an educational program.

Study co-author Dr. Dwight Heron said improved knowledge about cancer prevention and treatment can help patients and communities with the greatest needs.

Study participants included 38 African-Americans who participated in three education sessions: a culturally-adapted version of Cancer 101, a program on clinical trials developed by the National Cancer Institute and a scenario-based discussion of cancer-related subjects using the Cancer Knowledge Assessment Tool. The subjects were tested before and after the course.

The study found pre-test results indicated that both the younger and older participants understood the importance of early detection and treatment for cancer, but both groups appeared to have difficulty with the concept of cancer cell growth and hereditary risk factors.

Younger participants scored better on radiation therapy concerns, health insurance and worries about biopsies, while older participants scored better on the contribution of smoking to cancer.

The findings were reported at the 49th annual meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology in Los Angeles.