J Cancer Educ [JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Association of Breast Cancer Patient Education with Disease Understanding and Anxiety: Analysis Using the EORTC QLQ-INFO25 and HADS.
Bektash F, Eid R, Shash E
J Cancer Educ · 2026 Jul · PMID 42402537 · Publisher ↗
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and is frequently associated with psychological distress. Patient education may improve patients' understanding of their disease and reduce anxiety levels. Th...
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and is frequently associated with psychological distress. Patient education may improve patients' understanding of their disease and reduce anxiety levels. This secondary analysis utilized data from 188 breast cancer patients receiving treatment at a Portuguese oncology center. Patient-reported information regarding their own breast cancer disease, medical tests, treatments, and educational experiences was assessed using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Information Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-INFO25). Anxiety was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Regression analyses were performed to examine whether information related to breast cancer disease, treatment, and medical tests predicted perceived information usefulness and whether perceived information usefulness predicted anxiety levels. Higher levels of information regarding patients' own breast cancer disease and treatment were significantly associated with greater perceived usefulness of patient education (p < 0.05). Increased perceived usefulness of information was significantly associated with lower anxiety levels (p = 0.007). No significant association was identified between patient age and anxiety levels. Greater perceived usefulness of patient education was associated with better disease and treatment understanding and lower anxiety. These findings support the potential value of tailored patient education as a component of supportive oncology care.
"Going Flat" After Mastectomy: A Social Media Analysis of Patient Perspectives and Educational Needs.
Knauer G, Lalovic T, Simon C … +4 more , Bleicher RJ, Walchak A, Patel SA, Williams AD
J Cancer Educ · 2026 Jul · PMID 42380388 · Publisher ↗
Aesthetic flat closure (AFC) is a surgical option following mastectomy that aims to create a smooth chest wall. Although formally recognized by the National Cancer Institute in 2020, patients continue to report challenge...
Aesthetic flat closure (AFC) is a surgical option following mastectomy that aims to create a smooth chest wall. Although formally recognized by the National Cancer Institute in 2020, patients continue to report challenges in accessing AFC. Social media platforms may serve as an important source of support and education for patients considering this option. We characterized patient perspectives and experiences related to AFC through analysis of discussions on Reddit and TikTok. Using the search term "flat," posts from the r/breastcancer forum were reviewed within Reddit's 1,000 post-and-comment visibility limit. AI-assisted thematic analysis was used to identify recurring discussion themes. TikTok was searched using the terms "going flat," "going flat mastectomy," and "aesthetic flat closure." A total of 370 Reddit posts and 74 TikTok posts met inclusion criteria for relevance to AFC. Posts were most often neutral in tone; however negative sentiment was nearly three times more common on Reddit than TikTok (28.9% vs. 11%). On Reddit, the most common area of discussion was comparison of AFC with other post-mastectomy reconstructive options. "Flat denial," defined as neglecting to perform a true AFC either intentionally or inadvertently, appeared more frequently on Reddit (8.4% vs. 4.0%). AI analysis identified recurring themes including flat denial, inadequate counseling, and misinformation regarding AFC. While discussions surrounding AFC were often neutral or positive, concerns regarding inadequate information, patient counseling, and flat denial persist. These findings highlight the need for greater surgeon familiarity with AFC and more comprehensive patient education on post-mastectomy options.
Assessment of Burnout amongst Oncologists Located in a Canadian Province: A Cross-Sectional Survey Analysis.
Gorman M, Sidhoo S, Ademola A … +1 more , Debenham B
J Cancer Educ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42380387 · Publisher ↗
Burnout is a stress-induced occupational syndrome recognized by the World Health Organization, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. It remains highly prevalent am...
Burnout is a stress-induced occupational syndrome recognized by the World Health Organization, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. It remains highly prevalent among healthcare professionals, particularly oncologists facing heavy workloads and emotionally demanding care. To assess burnout prevalence among oncologists in Alberta, Canada, and identify factors associated with increased risk. This cross-sectional survey study included physicians from multiple oncology-related specialties. Anonymous questionnaires collected demographic and occupational data alongside the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Burnout domains were categorized as low, intermediate, or high using standardized criteria. Descriptive statistics, chi-square/Fisher exact tests, and logistic regression analyses were performed, with significance set at P < 0.05. Ninety-one physicians completed the survey. Most were over 40 years old (65.9%), female (47.3%), white (57.1%), in a relationship (85.7%), working in academic settings (52.7%), or in radiation oncology (48.4%). Fifty participants (54.9%) reported personal burnout, while 90.1% believed colleagues experienced burnout. Moderate-to-high emotional exhaustion was reported by 73.6%, moderate-to-high depersonalization was reported by 62.6%, and 37.36% reported low personal accomplishment. Seeing more than 30 patients weekly was significantly associated with greater emotional exhaustion and lower personal accomplishment. Male gender and not living alone were associated with higher personal accomplishment, while no variables were linked to depersonalization. Burnout rates among Alberta oncologists were high. Higher patient volumes, non-male gender, and living alone were associated with worse outcomes, highlighting the need for meaningful workplace support systems.
Optimizing a Hematology/Oncology Curriculum for Internal Medicine Residents: A Two-Institution Modified Delphi Study.
Silverstein JF, Huppert LA, Schwede M … +4 more , Goglin S, Johnson TP, Babik JM, Brondfield S
J Cancer Educ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42380386 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Although hematology/oncology (H/O) topics are essential for clinicians, many internal medicine (IM) residents perceive inadequate H/O education. This perception may be due to the lack of a standardized H/O curri...
PURPOSE: Although hematology/oncology (H/O) topics are essential for clinicians, many internal medicine (IM) residents perceive inadequate H/O education. This perception may be due to the lack of a standardized H/O curriculum. To address this gap, we aimed to achieve consensus about the most important H/O topics for IM residents to learn. METHODS: In 2023, we conducted a 2-round modified Delphi study of IM generalists and H/O specialists at the University of California, San Francisco and Stanford University. In round 1, participants rated the importance of H/O topics on a 5-point scale (1 = very unimportant; 5 = very important). In round 2, participants viewed their own ratings vs. the group mean and could change their ratings. We used a content validity index (CVI, the percentage of respondents who rated the topic ≥ 4) of ≥ 75% to identify the most important topics. We calculated the effect sizes of between-group rating differences using Cohen's d. RESULTS: The round 1 and 2 response rates were 70% (92/132) and 77% (71/92), respectively. Ninety-one of the 239 topics met the CVI threshold (41 classical hematology, 14 malignant hematology, and 36 solid oncology), of which only 4 out of 91 (4%) had a large effect size, indicating agreement between generalists and specialists. There were 14 topics with a CVI of 100%, including deep venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, iron deficiency anemia, advance care planning, and management of end-of-life issues. CONCLUSION: With input from IM generalists and H/O specialists, we identified the most important H/O topics for IM residents, which can guide curriculum development.
Survey of Awareness of End-of-Life Care among University Students: A Comparison between Medical and Welfare Disciplines.
Hamada R, Watanabe M
J Cancer Educ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42377783 · Publisher ↗
We investigated awareness and attitudes of Japanese university students toward end-of-life care and advance care planning (ACP) to inform campus-based educational programs and promote ACP dissemination across generations...
We investigated awareness and attitudes of Japanese university students toward end-of-life care and advance care planning (ACP) to inform campus-based educational programs and promote ACP dissemination across generations. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 753 students at a university specializing in medical and welfare sciences. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing preferences for disclosure of terminal diagnoses, treatment decisions, and preferred place of death. Academic departments were classified into Medical sciences (n = 629) or Welfare sciences (n = 102), and group differences were analyzed using the chi-square test. Among 731 students, approximately 90% desired self-disclosure of a terminal diagnosis, whereas only 50.5% preferred disclosure to a spouse. While no group differences existed for disclosure preferences, place of death preferences significantly differed: medical students preferred home (80.8%) more frequently than welfare students (69.6%). Regarding end-of-life care, medical students were significantly less likely to choose aggressive interventions (e.g., ventilation, surgery) than welfare students. Conversely, welfare students were less likely to prefer artificial nutrition and hydration interventions than medical students. University students strongly favored disclosure of terminal illness and home-based end-of-life care. Differences between medical and welfare students likely reflect variation in familiarity with medical interventions. These findings underscore the importance of providing young adults with opportunities to consider ACP and engage in informed decision-making and dialogue with family members, thereby supporting person-centered care.
Trainee-Led Case-Based Learning in Medical Oncology: A Feasibility Study.
Vundum J, Day F
J Cancer Educ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42366331 · Publisher ↗
Case-based learning (CBL) is widely used in undergraduate medical education, with demonstrable benefits for students across multiple domains. There is a paucity of data in the post-graduate setting. A robust training pro...
Case-based learning (CBL) is widely used in undergraduate medical education, with demonstrable benefits for students across multiple domains. There is a paucity of data in the post-graduate setting. A robust training program is essential for specialty trainees in medical oncology, yet dedicated educational opportunities are limited by a busy clinical environment. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a post-graduate trainee-led CBL program within a Medical Oncology Department at a major cancer centre in Australia. All eligible participants (3 registrars, 1 clinical fellow, 2 nurse practitioners (NPs), 1 post-graduate student NP) were invited to attend weekly CBL sessions over a 20-week period. Session parameters, such as attendance and duration, were recorded. Feasibility was assessed using 4 of Bowen's key areas: acceptability, demand, implementation and practicality. A questionnaire was completed by each participant following each session and on conclusion of the program. Researchers performed statistical analysis using Mann-Whitney U tests and conducted thematic analyses on qualitative data. Of 20 scheduled sessions, 14 (70%) ran without cancellation. Attendance rate was 66%, with most absences being attributed to leave. Mean session duration was 61.4 min, with mean preparation time of 24.2 min per participant. Participant perceived value was high (9.1/10) and significantly higher with faculty medical oncologist attendance (9.7 vs. 8.8, p = 0.001). Acceptability scores were excellent (9.4/10). CBL sessions were rated significantly higher than concurrent educational opportunities (9.1 vs. 8.1, p < 0.001). Coding of the qualitative data within participant surveys identified the following themes: CBL sessions (1) stimulated relevant and beneficial discussion, (2) were perceived positively, (3) were negatively affected by other clinical commitments, (4) were enhanced by the presence of a faculty medical oncologist, (5) generated a safe space for collaborative learning, (6) were time-efficient and (7) provided self-study opportunities. A postgraduate, trainee-led CBL program in medical oncology is feasible and was well received at our centre. It offers a promising complement to traditional teaching in a rapidly evolving field where faculty oncologist-led educational opportunities may be limited. Future studies could focus on the potential for virtual implementation to allow for collaboration between centres, to the benefit of rural medical oncology trainees.
Educational Needs of Nurses in Remote Islands in Japan Regarding Cancer Pain Management.
Shimizu S, Yoshida S, Nerome Y
J Cancer Educ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42350725 · Publisher ↗
Nurses play a crucial role in pain management for cancer patients and therefore need sufficient knowledge of pain relief. However, nurses on remote islands have few opportunities to attend training and may face difficult...
Nurses play a crucial role in pain management for cancer patients and therefore need sufficient knowledge of pain relief. However, nurses on remote islands have few opportunities to attend training and may face difficulties in clinical practice. This study aimed to identify educational needs and gain insights into the education necessary for cancer pain management through an analysis of the learning needs of nurses on remote islands. A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted on registered nurses working in cancer pain management on remote islands in Japan. Responses were received from 128 nurses. The following learning barriers specific to remote islands were identified: [Burden of travel itself], [Burden of absence], and [Barriers to self-learning environment]. In total, 69.5% of the respondents reported having difficulties with pain management, including [A lack of knowledge] and [Accurate understanding of pain]. Furthermore, 95.3% expressed a desire to participate in training. The main learning needs identified were "Treatment of cancer pain" and "Assessment of cancer pain". Regarding training methods, 63.3% indicated "Careful instruction in the basics". Regarding the time required for the learning materials, 35.2% preferred "About 30 minutes". Additionally, regarding learning methods, 68.0% preferred "Online training". Therefore, nurses on remote islands have the following learning needs: teaching basic knowledge with careful instruction and easy-to-understand materials through online training. These findings could be useful for creating effective educational programs and developing training programs that are easily accessible to nurses on remote islands.
Perspectives on Cannabis Use among Cancer Survivors and Cancer Care Providers: Parallel Surveys.
Kim SJ, Motto FM, Ming H … +4 more , Clark V, Hong S, Lichtman AH, Sheppard VB
J Cancer Educ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42322510 · Publisher ↗
As medical cannabis gains wider legal and social acceptance in the U.S., understanding its perceived benefits, risks, and patterns of use among cancer survivors, as well as healthcare providers' perspectives, is critical...
As medical cannabis gains wider legal and social acceptance in the U.S., understanding its perceived benefits, risks, and patterns of use among cancer survivors, as well as healthcare providers' perspectives, is critical for informing clinical care and improving patient-provider communication. We conducted parallel surveys of cancer survivors (n = 395) and cancer care providers (n = 62) to assess convergent and divergent attitudes, as well as perceived benefits and risks of cannabis. Among survivors, subgroup analyses by cannabis use status (cannabis users vs. never users) examined differences in healthcare utilization, satisfaction, quality of life, mental health, and risk behaviors (e.g., smoking and alcohol use). Overall, attitudes toward medical cannabis were similar across groups; however, providers (25%) were more aware of risks than survivors (8.4%; χ²=13.37, p< .01). Survivors (68.5%) were more comfortable discussing cannabis with providers than providers (46.7%) were with patients (χ²=35.20, p< .01), and providers held more negative views of recreational cannabis (t = 2.20, p=.03). Among survivors, cannabis users (vs. never users) reported higher social well-being but lower physical and emotional well-being, greater healthcare mistrust, and lower healthcare utilization (all ps< 0.05). Compared to non-cannabis using cancer survivors, cannabis-using survivors had higher rates of smoking, vaping, anxiety, and depression, with no differences observed in chronic pain, alcohol use, or sleep quality. These findings highlight gaps in risk awareness and communication between survivors and providers. Improving care will require open, nonjudgmental dialogue supported by clear clinical guidance, along with further research on the long-term and cancer-specific effects of cannabis use.
Correction: Understanding Physician Referral for Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell (CAR-T) Therapy.
Blue B, Lake P, Pidala J … +3 more , Jim H, Locke FL, Vadaparampil S
J Cancer Educ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42319704 · Publisher ↗
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Correction: Training European Health Care Providers in Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Oncology: The Joint Action Networks of Expertise (JANE) on AYA with Cancer Perspective.
Livellara V, Rosanu MN, Stark D … +11 more , Trama A, Provenzano S, Prampolini C, Casali PG, Vago G, Saloustros M, Murphy I, Vormoor JH, Rizvi K, Peccatori F, Ferrari A
J Cancer Educ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42319703 · Publisher ↗
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Cancer Education in the Age of TikTok and Social Media: Opportunity or Misinformation?
Suksatan W
J Cancer Educ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42315777 · Publisher ↗
Social media has become a central space where people encounter, interpret, and share cancer-related information. Platforms such as TikTok offer significant opportunities for cancer education by delivering short, accessib...
Social media has become a central space where people encounter, interpret, and share cancer-related information. Platforms such as TikTok offer significant opportunities for cancer education by delivering short, accessible, and emotionally engaging messages to wide audiences. However, the same features that enhance their reach also increase the risk of misinformation. Cancer-related content often blends personal experiences, commercial interests, emotional storytelling, and unverified health claims, making it difficult for the public to critically evaluate what they see. This challenge is especially pronounced when patients, caregivers, and families seek information during moments of fear, uncertainty, or complex treatment decision-making. This commentary argues that cancer education must adapt to the social media era rather than dismiss these platforms altogether. Health professionals and educators should recognize TikTok and similar platforms not only as sources of potential risk but also as important venues for public engagement, digital health literacy, and trust-building. Effective cancer education in this evolving landscape requires a balance of accuracy, empathy, accessibility, and active participation.
Trainee and Faculty Perspectives on Global Oncology: Assessing Interest, Barriers, and Opportunities.
Phan P, Nair S, English K … +2 more , Ngwa W, Yates C
J Cancer Educ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42315776 · Publisher ↗
Cancer disproportionately impacts low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where 70% of cancer-related deaths occur. Oncology providers are needed in global health, but significant barriers limit participation. This stu...
Cancer disproportionately impacts low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where 70% of cancer-related deaths occur. Oncology providers are needed in global health, but significant barriers limit participation. This study explores challenges impacting global oncology engagement among cancer-oriented trainees and faculty at an academic medical center with strengths in global health and cancer care. A cross-sectional survey was distributed to residents, fellows, and faculty in oncology and oncology-related specialties between May and November 2025. The 33-question survey assessed demographics, prior oncology and global health experiences, interests and barriers impacting participation, and institutional support. Descriptive analysis was performed. There were 46 and 45 eligible responses from trainees and faculty, respectively. Only 16 (34.8%) trainees and 25 faculty (55.6%) knew about global oncology, with only four trainees (8.7%) having prior experience. Most trainees (80.4%) and faculty (80%) expressed interest in learning more and participating. However, scheduling conflicts and limited funding prevented engagement, along with absent mentorship for trainees and family obligations for faculty. Most trainees felt global oncology involvement would build their cross-cultural competence (73.9%) and strengthen clinical knowledge and research skills (65.2%). However, only 8.7% felt that current institutional support was adequate (8.7%). Significant interest in global oncology exists among trainees and faculty, but limited prior exposure, along with absent funding, time, and institutional support, limit engagement. Expanding structured training opportunities and institutional investment could motivate increased global oncology involvement and train more oncology leaders to address cancer disparities globally.
Learning with Patients: Reflections on Cancer, Complexity and Innovation in Education.
Vandekerckhove P, Koizia LJ, Harris BHL
J Cancer Educ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42313257 · Publisher ↗
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Response to: Methodological Considerations in Audiovisual Cancer Education Framework for Low-resource Settings: An Analysis of the Emad et al. Approach.
Shash E, El Sebaie M, Youssef O … +11 more , Anter N, Hegazy A, Naoum R, Abdelrahman M, Galal H, Mahfouz A, Affify A, Montasser M, Ahmed A, Eid R, Bektash F
J Cancer Educ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42310183 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Evaluation of Web-based Information on Phytotherapy for Cancer Patients: A Quality and Readability Analysis.
Uzun M, Gokcek S, Kaya E … +1 more , Gedik MS
J Cancer Educ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42310182 · Publisher ↗
Phytotherapy is widely used by cancer patients as a complementary and alternative medicine approach. With the increasing reliance on the internet for health-related information, concerns regarding the quality, reliabilit...
Phytotherapy is widely used by cancer patients as a complementary and alternative medicine approach. With the increasing reliance on the internet for health-related information, concerns regarding the quality, reliability, and readability of online phytotherapy content have become more prominent. This study aimed to evaluate the readability and quality of web-based information on phytotherapy for cancer patients using validated assessment tools and to identify specific deficiencies in content quality. A descriptive cross-sectional analysis was conducted using the Google search engine with four predefined search terms related to phytotherapy and oncology. The first 50 websites for each term were screened, yielding 200 websites, of which 99 met the inclusion criteria. Websites were categorized by source type and visibility. Readability was assessed using the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), Gunning Fog Index, SMOG, and Coleman-Liau Index. Content quality was evaluated using the JAMA benchmark criteria and the DISCERN instrument, including item-level analysis. Non-parametric statistical tests were applied where appropriate. The median FKGL score was 9.3, indicating that most content required a high reading level. The median JAMA score was 4, while the median DISCERN score was 55, reflecting moderate but variable quality. Item-level analysis revealed that critical aspects such as treatment risks, benefits, uncertainties, and consequences of no treatment were frequently insufficiently addressed. Commercial websites demonstrated lower DISCERN scores compared with non-commercial sources. No significant differences were observed between first-page and subsequent search results. Online phytotherapy information for cancer patients is characterized by moderate quality, high readability demands, and important deficiencies in key domains necessary for informed decision-making. In the evolving landscape of AI-assisted health information retrieval, these limitations may have broader implications, highlighting the need for accurate, evidence-based, and accessible online resources.
Perceived Preparedness in Psycho-Oncology: A Cross-Sectional Comparison of Expectations and Training Experiences Among Undergraduate Psychology Students.
de Sousa Lage I, Miranda MES, Rodrigues PLA … +3 more , de Ávila Freitas Aguiar M, Steffens D, Drummond-Lage AP
J Cancer Educ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42303894 · Publisher ↗
Adequate training in Psycho-Oncology is essential to prepare psychologists to address the complex psychosocial needs of patients with cancer. However, this content remains inconsistently incorporated into undergraduate p...
Adequate training in Psycho-Oncology is essential to prepare psychologists to address the complex psychosocial needs of patients with cancer. However, this content remains inconsistently incorporated into undergraduate psychology curricula, and evidence regarding students' perceived preparedness remains limited. To evaluate differences between expectations and self-reported training experiences in Psycho-Oncology among undergraduate psychology students from two independent cohorts at different stages of training. A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate psychology students from private institutions in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. First- and final-year students completed a structured questionnaire assessing expectations, educational exposure, and self-perceived preparedness in Psycho-Oncology. Comparative analyses used chi-square and Fisher's exact tests, with a significance level of 0.05. A total of 284 students participated (166 first-year and 118 final-year). Significant differences were observed across all domains. While approximately two-thirds of first-year students were expected to be adequately prepared to work with cancer patients, fewer than 12% of final-year students reported having received such preparation (p < 0.001). Final-year students also reported limited training in communication skills, psychosocial care, practical experience, and exposure to oncology settings. Overall, first-year students' expectations consistently exceeded the training experiences reported by final-year students. These findings demonstrate a discrepancy between expected and perceived preparedness across independent cohorts, highlighting potential gaps in undergraduate psychology education regarding Psycho-Oncology. As outcomes are based on self-perception, these results should not be interpreted as direct measures of competence. Strengthening curricular integration and practical training opportunities may help align educational experiences with students' expectations and perceived readiness for oncology care.
Methodological Considerations in Audiovisual Cancer Education Framework for Low-Resource Settings: An Analysis of the Emad et al. Approach.
Ali M
J Cancer Educ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42298133 · Publisher ↗
In low-resource environments, audiovisual education interventions are increasingly employed to enhance cancer awareness and patient involvement. Emad et al., in their recent publication, introduced a structured methodolo...
In low-resource environments, audiovisual education interventions are increasingly employed to enhance cancer awareness and patient involvement. Emad et al., in their recent publication, introduced a structured methodological framework aimed at creating culturally relevant audiovisual breast cancer education materials for low- and middle-income countries. Their strategy incorporates multidisciplinary oversight, ongoing supervision, and the use of the local Egyptian dialect to improve patient comprehension and participation. Although this framework marks a significant advancement in combating misinformation and enhancing patient education, several methodological factors could affect the broader interpretation and applicability of the results.Initially, the framework is deeply rooted in Egypt's linguistic and cultural environment, which might restrict its direct applicability to other groups without thorough cross-cultural adaptation. Methodological literature emphasizes the importance of ensuring conceptual, semantic, and cultural equivalence when educational tools are used in diverse contexts. Secondly, the manuscript mainly concentrates on the development and implementation stages of the educational model, offering limited evidence of its effectiveness in enhancing patient knowledge, behavior, or sustained engagement. Lastly, the lack of direct comparison with traditional patient education methods makes it challenging to assess the additional benefits of the proposed audiovisual approach.Addressing these methodological aspects in future studies may help strengthen the evidence base and support broader implementation of audiovisual cancer education interventions in diverse low-resource settings.
Enhancing Community Understanding of Cancer Clinical Trials Through Peer Education.
Phillips E, Thakkar V, Taiwo E … +5 more , Howard D, Kanis M, Duarte C, Soroka O, Balogun OD
J Cancer Educ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42295606 · Publisher ↗
Limited awareness and persistent misconceptions about cancer clinical trials contribute to low participation among racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse populations. Community-based educational strategies may...
Limited awareness and persistent misconceptions about cancer clinical trials contribute to low participation among racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse populations. Community-based educational strategies may help address these gaps, particularly when delivered by trusted peer educators. We evaluated a peer-led, multilingual cancer education workshop designed to improve cancer knowledge and attitudes toward clinical trials. Trained peer health educators delivered 2-hour workshops in English, Spanish, or Arabic across community-based settings. Participants completed matched pre-post surveys administered immediately before and after the session. Outcomes included cancer knowledge (7-item scale) and attitudes toward clinical trials measured using the Attitudes to Randomized Trial Questionnaire (ARTQ). Paired t-tests and McNemar tests were used to assess pre-post changes. A total of 284 participants with matched pre-post data were included in the analysis. Participants were racially and ethnically diverse, and most attended workshops delivered in English or Spanish. Mean cancer knowledge scores increased from 3.01 to 3.57 (mean difference: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.41-0.72). The proportion of participants reporting positive attitudes toward clinical trials increased across all seven ARTQ items (p < .001 for all comparisons), with the largest gains observed in willingness to consider participation in randomized studies. A brief, peer-led, community-based educational workshop was associated with short-term improvements in cancer knowledge and attitudes toward clinical trials. These findings suggest that culturally and linguistically tailored education delivered by peer educators may be a feasible strategy to improve understanding of clinical trials in underserved communities. Further research is needed to assess longer-term outcomes and behavioral impacts.
A Model for Clinician and Staff Education in the Engagement of American Indians in Genomic Research.
Brown-Glaberman U, Greenbaum A, Blackwater K … +15 more , Chavez R, Blair CK, Khatib J, Nemunaitis J, Pankratz VS, Davis B, Peters J, Pettes K, Quetawki M, Ryan S, Sanchez JL, Sussman AL, Whitsett T, Trent JM, Willman CL
J Cancer Educ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42286254 · Publisher ↗
Despite notable differences in cancer incidence and outcomes, fewer American Indians have participated in cancer research and genomic testing relative to their population size. Contributing factors include historical sci...
Despite notable differences in cancer incidence and outcomes, fewer American Indians have participated in cancer research and genomic testing relative to their population size. Contributing factors include historical scientific mistrust, lack of culturally appropriate research methodologies, and limited access. With the launch of a cancer genomic sequencing trial in American Indians from the Southwestern United States (US), clinicians and staff encountered challenges engaging patients, recognizing the complexity of research in this population. We describe a novel approach to educate study team members regarding genomic cancer testing and research in American Indian populations. Clinical faculty and staff investigators participated in (1) hands-on experiential workshops related to core beliefs and healthcare in American Indians and (2) the development of provider-facing educational materials. After participation in the workshops, investigators, including American Indian researchers, created two sets of provider-facing materials and implemented them in clinic. The first provided a summary detailing trial eligibility, procedures, and privacy safeguards. The second outlined topics fostering respectful engagement of American Indians in research, outlining core beliefs including the importance of family and community in decisions, a framework of inherent cycles in human life and nature, the importance of visual aids, and the complementary nature of traditional healing. An approach incorporating cultural training for clinicians and staff is feasible when engaging American Indians of the Southwestern US in genomic research. This methodology may serve as a model for future initiatives to engage with American Indians in cancer research and in both clinical and research related genomic testing.
Educational Interventions to Reduce Cancer Diagnostic Delays in Primary Care: A Scoping Review.
Jerjes W, Klingbajl M, Taylor A … +1 more , Majeed A
J Cancer Educ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42277388 · Publisher ↗
Diagnostic delays contribute to poorer outcomes in cancer care. Because most symptomatic patients enter the healthcare system through general practice, educational interventions for primary care teams could lead to earli...
Diagnostic delays contribute to poorer outcomes in cancer care. Because most symptomatic patients enter the healthcare system through general practice, educational interventions for primary care teams could lead to earlier investigation, referral, and follow-up. We mapped educational interventions in primary care designed to reduce diagnostic delays for cancer and described their formats, targeted behaviours, outcomes, and gaps. We undertook a scoping review using the PRISMA-ScR checklist. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from January 2000 to January 2026. We included studies (and protocols) describing or evaluating educational interventions for primary care clinicians and teams intended to improve the timeliness of symptomatic cancer diagnosis (for example, safety-netting, diagnostic activity, referral quality, or time-based outcomes). Data were charted and synthesised descriptively and thematically. Sixteen publications representing ten distinct intervention programmes were included. Interventions ranged from brief clinician teaching and educational outreach to simulation-based mastery learning, national or regional continuing medical education programmes, whole-practice workshops, and education bundled with electronic decision support or electronic safety-netting tools. Most evaluations reported improvements in clinician competence, confidence, or process proxies (for example, documentation quality or diagnostic activity). Only a small number of studies assessed time-based outcomes such as primary care interval or total diagnostic interval, and effects were mixed or null; several digital interventions were further constrained by workflow misfit and low uptake. Educational interventions in primary care can improve behaviours relevant to earlier cancer diagnosis, but evidence for reductions in diagnostic delays remains limited. Future work should integrate education with practice systems, use standardised interval definitions, and evaluate timeliness and equity outcomes. This review synthesises evidence to inform curriculum design and continuing professional development for primary care teams, focusing on teachable behaviours (diagnostic reasoning under uncertainty, safety-netting, and appropriate thresholding for investigation/referral) that can shorten diagnostic intervals for cancer.
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