Cancers of the genital tract are one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in women in the fourth-fifth decade of life. The incidence of cancers of this system in men is also increasing, testicular cancer in the younger age groups, and prostate cancer in the fifth and subsequent decades of life. The purpose of this study was to analyse knowledge of college students about genital system cancer risk factors. The study included 3108 adolescents aged 15-19 years, students of the first and final grades of 20 high schools located in Mazovia (Poland). The participants were asked about their knowledge regarding cancer risk factors like genetics, stress, smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, oral contraceptives, microorganisms and frequent changes of sexual partners. More than 50% of participants properly idenified risk factors, but more than half did not understand the difference between cancer of the reproductive system and cancer of other organs. It means, that knowledge of the risk factors is not sufficient. It turned out that the most important source of information for young people are teachers, followed by books, television, the internet and medical services. Family members proved to be insignificant as a source of information, with only 10% of respondents indicating them. It seems to be necessary to supplement school education programs with regularly repeated information on genital system cancers and the need for their early detection, which can play a huge role in keeping the population as healthy as possible.
Cancer remains a significant public health challenge that requires a multidisciplinary workforce equipped with strong cancer research skills and clinical insight. Over the past decade, the University of Louisville's Cancer Education Program was developed to enhance career trajectories in oncology through a mentored cancer research experience for both professional and college students.In a structured 10-week program, trainees participated in hypothesis-driven cancer research, received multilevel mentoring, and engaged in career-enhancement activities. We evaluated de-identified participant feedback on interest in cancer research, mentoring, career-enhancement activities, cancer survivors' testimonials, and research self-efficacy. Qualitative assessments were rated on scales of quality (excellent to unsatisfactory) and change (very large to no change). To assess interest in cancer research before and after the program, we used the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Comparisons of various program components were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U or Kruskal-Wallis test. We summarized emerging themes from open-ended survey questions.Participants demonstrated a significant increase in their interest in cancer research (P < 0.0001) following the program, and multilevel mentoring contributed to improvements in research self-efficacy. Compared with a seminar, participants preferred cancer survivors' testimonials (P < 0.0001), as these humanized cancer research and motivated them to pursue careers in cancer research and clinical oncology. Lastly, structured workshops and peer-to-peer interactive learning increased participants' confidence in communicating science to mixed audiences.Our program results underscore the importance of investing in initiatives to develop a robust and capable cancer research workforce that addresses evolving challenges in cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
Cancer fatalism is a significant barrier to cancer prevention and treatment, especially among those with a family history of cancer. While eHealth information can influence cancer fatalism beliefs, the mechanisms behind this effect require further exploration. This study, using SOR theory, investigates whether eHealth information use can reduce cancer fatalism in individuals with a family history of cancer and elucidates the mechanisms involved. Data from the sixth National Trends in Health Information Survey (HINTS6) focused on participants with a family history of cancer (N = 3131). A serial-mediation model examined how eHealth information use affects cancer fatalism through mediators of cancer worry, frequency of doctor visits, and trust in cancer information from doctors. eHealth information use was negatively correlated with cancer fatalism. Additionally, cancer worry, frequency of doctor visits, and trust in cancer information from doctors were positively correlated with eHealth information use. Trust in cancer information from doctors was negatively correlated with cancer fatalism. These findings suggest that eHealth information, combined with interventions and offline communication with physicians, can effectively reduce cancer fatalism among individuals with a family history of cancer. Public health departments should leverage eHealth platforms to communicate accurate cancer information and foster trust in authoritative health sources like doctors, encouraging positive health behaviors and reducing cancer fatalism.
The Wilmot Cancer Institute (Wilmot), an NCI-designated cancer center, developed a cancer-focused training program to enhance investigators' communication skills, as well as their knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes regarding community engagement. The program was delivered in person over a single day, totaling 4.5 h. It consisted of four didactic sessions: (1) an overview of the Wilmot COE Office and its catchment area, (2) identifying the audience and tailoring messages accordingly, (3) developing communication products, and (4) the fundamentals of verbal communication and best practices for public speaking. Following these didactic sessions, a population scientist presented examples community-engaged research. Finally, investigators participated in a 60-minute practice session with community members. A total of 13 investigators (4 were basic scientists and 9 were population scientists) attended the training. Investigators completed pre- and post-training assessments. Investigators reported high satisfaction with the training and a strong willingness to recommend it. Comparisons of pre- and post-training responses showed increases for knowledge of the Wilmot COE Office and its catchment area, as well as their perceptions and attitudes toward community engagement in research. A cancer-focused training program designed to enhance investigators' communication skills, as well as their knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes regarding community engagement, is acceptable and shows a promising preliminary impact. Additional research is needed to determine the long-term impact on actual community engagement and its contribution to informing cancer research and control efforts that are especially relevant to the population served.
Radiation oncology residents report varying confidence with on-treatment setup challenges (J Cancer Educ Off J Am Assoc Cancer Educ 36(2):278-283 (2021)). Radiation therapy technologist (RTT) training is variable across institutions (Tech Innov Patient Support Radiat Oncol 24:59-62 (2022)). This study assesses the impact of an interprofessional educational course on RTT and radiation oncology resident knowledge and comfort with managing radiation therapy (RT) treatment challenges. An interprofessional course on managing RT treatment challenges was offered to radiation oncology residents, RTTs, and other team members. Each site-specific session was given by an expert radiation oncology attending with in-person and virtual attendees. Anonymous pre- and post-tests were collected via QR code. Pretests assessed demographics, knowledge (2 multiple choice questions), and comfort (Likert-type Scale, 1-5) with the material. Post-tests also assessed utility and potential implementation. Statistical tests compared pre- vs. post-tests. Nine one-hour sessions were conducted over one year. Respondents were mostly radiation oncology residents/attendings (47.5%) and RTTs (46.3%). 175 pretests and 156 post-tests were fully completed. Overall, 208/353 (58.9%) responses were correct pre-test and 221/313 (70.6%) post-test (p = 0.002). Comfort improved from 101 (56.8%) reporting strong agreement or agreement pre-test to 131 (83.4%) post-test. Median comfort scores improved from 4 (IQR 3-4) to 4 (IQR 4-5), p < 0.001. Respondents strongly agreed that the sessions were useful (median 5, IQR 5-5) and applicable to future practice (median 5, IQR 5-5). 118 respondents had paired pre- and post-tests, with significant improvement in knowledge (p = 0.004) and comfort (p < 0.0001). Attendees of our interprofessional education course demonstrated significant improvement in knowledge and comfort with the material. Similar educational efforts could be useful for a broader radiation oncology audience.
Despite a decline in colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality for the general United States population, American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations have seen an increase in both measures. AI/AN populations have also experienced the largest increase in early-onset colorectal cancer, have the second highest CRC incidence rates, and the AN community has the highest rates of CRC worldwide. AI/AN populations face numerous barriers, including limited access to care and a shift in dietary preferences away from traditional foods, which may contribute to these findings. This review of the literature explored what types of CRC research have been conducted and found that 7.1% is on diet, 8.2% on age, 3.5% on geography, and 64.7% on screening. This review expands the focus beyond screening and highlights research focused on potential underlying causes of CRC in AI/AN communities. A more comprehensive and population-specific fund of knowledge on the totality of the subject is critical to directing more effective prevention, earlier detection, and management. Evaluating different components of CRC honors the holistic approach to health practiced by many AI/AN communities.
Exposure to radiation oncology is limited for students at medical schools without affiliated radiotherapy centers. To address this barrier, a university-based radiation oncology division delivered a one-day radiation oncology course to medical students from medical schools without radiotherapy facilities. The course included lectures that covered the basic principles of radiotherapy, followed by a department visit to observe external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy workflows. A self-evaluated questionnaire was distributed upon completion of the course to evaluate the course format and students' understanding of radiotherapy. During the academic year 2024, thirty-one students from two medical schools participated in the course. The course was well received by the participants. Self-evaluation indicated that most students had limited knowledge and understanding of radiation oncology prior to the course, but this improved following participation. Therefore, a one-day radiation oncology course is a feasible and effective approach to providing accessible radiation oncology education for medical students at institutions lacking radiotherapy facilities.
As future practitioners, health profession students play a vital role in vaccination efforts. We sought to assess the impact of a longitudinal community-based program on health professional students' knowledge and self-confidence to provide accurate, evidence-based resources to patients and address vaccination hesitancy. Retrospective cohort study. In 2023, 181 interprofessional health profession students participated in an asynchronous didactic curriculum designed to educate health profession students in their last two years of clinical training on how to provide vaccine education and address vaccine hesitancy. The data analysis revealed a statistically significant positive change between the pre-test and post-test phases regarding students' self-reported understanding of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and addressing vaccine hesitancy. The qualitative feedback from participants expressed an appreciation for the didactic content and provided feedback that identified the videos embedded into the curriculum as engaging. The results of this project demonstrated that targeted education on vaccine-related issues, and vaccine hesitancy can effectively increase health profession students' knowledge and willingness to engage in public health efforts. The findings suggest a need for future curricular efforts to address complex health issues such as like parent-provider communication around vaccines and addressing vaccine hesitancy beyond HPV.
Use of integrative oncology (IO) has increased substantially, with a majority of cancer patients reporting use of integrative therapies alongside conventional treatment. Despite growing patient demand and expansion of integrative services at cancer centers, structured educational pathways for oncology providers remain limited. This national needs assessment evaluated interest in IO training and identified perceived barriers and priorities for curriculum development. An 18-question survey was distributed nationally to hematology/oncology, radiation oncology, and palliative care program directors, physicians, fellows, and internal medicine residents planning to enter these specialties. Programs were identified through the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Surveys were sent electronically with informed consent and distributed weekly for two 4-week sessions. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize responses. A total of 208 eligible participants responded to survey. The majority (71.6%) considered IO valuable or essential, meanwhile expressing interest in formal education (64.2%) in IO education. Most respondents had little or no prior integrative medicine training (85.4%). Program directors endorsed the training at valuable (50%) or essential (13.3%). Key barriers included lack of curriculum, limited faculty expertise, inadequate funding, and time constraints. Participants preferred certificate programs (48%) or fellowship distinction tracks (44%) over a standalone IO fellowship. This national needs assessment demonstrates a national training gap and support the development of structured, scalable educational pathways in integrative oncology.
This study examined the relationship between social media peer communication and perception, knowledge, and attitude toward cervical cancer prevention among female youth aged 15 to 29 years in Kwara State, Nigeria. Anchored in the Health Belief Model, the study also investigated how youth engagement with posts on cervical cancer and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) influences their attitude about the vaccine. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among 379 female youth selected through a multi-stage stratified sampling technique from two public universities. Findings revealed a significant positive association between social media peer communication and cues to action, knowledge and perceived susceptibility, but vaccine uptake remains low (27.2%) due to stigma rooted in social perception that associates cervical cancer and HPV vaccine with sexual activity. These findings reinforce that awareness and knowledge of the HPV vaccine alone are insufficient in driving uptake. Public health campaigns should integrate social media peerdriven communications and peer influencer models that extend awareness and knowledge building to address social perceptions and stigma in their campaign efforts. Also, strategic peer advocacy can significantly complement traditional health education, creating a space where youth can learn directly from immediate peers, connect with like-minded individuals, and influence one another's attitudes towards a positive perception of the disease and vaccine uptake. Also, campaign messages should model HPV vaccination as socially acceptable, responsible and safe.
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