J Cancer Educ [JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Clinical Practice Guideline on Effective Teaching Strategies and Methods for Cancer Patient Education.
Papadakos J, Durocher L, Devitt D … +6 more , Krames L, Lawrie K, Pocrnic N, Premji A, Sultana A, Wong S
J Cancer Educ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42271105 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: This guideline was developed to provide evidence-informed recommendations on the most effective teaching strategies and methods for cancer patient education. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted acro...
BACKGROUND: This guideline was developed to provide evidence-informed recommendations on the most effective teaching strategies and methods for cancer patient education. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Prospero, Epistemonikos.org, as well as key guideline repositories. Draft versions of the guideline underwent formal internal and external review, with a final approval granted by Ontario Health's (Cancer Care Ontario) Program in Evidence Based Care and the Patient Education Expert Panel. RESULTS: Based on current evidence from systematic reviews and the guideline authors' clinical opinions, initial draft recommendations were formulated. Following a rigorous review process, the final guideline includes 11 recommendations and 15 qualifying statements. These address a range of teaching strategies and modalities, including one-on-one and group education, self-directed learning, tailored written materials, oral discussions, audiovisual tools, technology-enhanced learning, demonstrations, traditional lectures, webinars and multimodal approaches. CONCLUSIONS: The guideline was developed through a systematic review and a structured internal and external review process. It offers a comprehensive overview of best practices strategies and recommendations for delivering effective, person-centred education in oncology settings.
Lung Cancer: A New Tool to Measure Literacy and Enhance Primary Prevention in Brazil.
Braga MLV, Zanetti LC, Xavier GAL … +5 more , Piovesan JPP, de Araújo RTH, de Faria EYV, Carroll CB, Pujatti PB
J Cancer Educ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42240750 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, accounting for approximately 1.8 million deaths annually. In this context, low health literacy is frequent and represents a barrier to effec...
INTRODUCTION: Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, accounting for approximately 1.8 million deaths annually. In this context, low health literacy is frequent and represents a barrier to effective education on screening and early detection. The aim of this study was to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Lung CAM questionnaire for use in Brazil, enabling the assessment of population literacy regarding lung cancer. METHODOLOGY: The instrument was translated and culturally adapted by three independent translators. An abridged version was reviewed by 12 healthcare professionals to enhance clarity. Subsequently, the questionnaire was tested with 30 individuals, who rated their understanding of each item on a scale from 0 to 5. Content validity was assessed by five oncology experts. Finally, the survey was administered to 100 patients, and internal consistency was measured using Cronbach's Alpha. RESULTS: Healthcare professionals suggested 42 modifications across 20 items to improve clarity. In the pilot study, participants reported a mean comprehension score of 4.90 out of 5, leading to further refinements. Content validity analysis yielded final scores of 0.91 for clarity and 0.89 for relevance. Application of the instrument in the test phase demonstrated satisfactory results regarding knowledge of lung cancer symptoms and risk factors, with Cronbach's Alpha indicating strong internal consistency (0.87). CONCLUSION: The study successfully produced a validated instrument for assessing and monitoring lung cancer literacy in the Brazilian population. The questionnaire was named QuIC-Pulmão.
Predictors of Treatment Preparedness Among Lung Cancer Patients: The Role of Patient-Provider Communication.
Elkefi S, Hao D, Choudhury A … +1 more , Wang Y
J Cancer Educ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42230525 · Publisher ↗
Lung cancer treatment involves complex decision-making processes that require patients to be cognitively and emotionally prepared. While patient-centered communication (PCC) has been associated with improved cancer outco...
Lung cancer treatment involves complex decision-making processes that require patients to be cognitively and emotionally prepared. While patient-centered communication (PCC) has been associated with improved cancer outcomes, its role in treatment preparedness, particularly among patients with lung cancer, and the influence of literacy remain underexplored. This study explored (1) the level of treatment preparedness among lung cancer patients and examined (2) the association between PCC and preparedness, and (3) whether literacy level moderates or explains this relationship. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 200 adults who had been diagnosed with lung cancer within the past 3 years. Treatment preparedness was assessed across decision-making, treatment initiation, and engagement. PCC, health literacy, and digital literacy were measured using validated instruments. Logistic regression models examined associations between PCC and high preparedness, adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical factors. Interaction terms tested the moderation effects. Most participants were classified as highly prepared for cancer treatment (83.5%). PCC was strongly associated with high preparedness across all adjusted models (aOR = 48.19, 95% CI: 8.64-268.89, p < 0.001). Health literacy significantly moderated the association between PCC and preparedness (p = 0.015), indicating that the impact of communication varied by literacy level. Digital literacy was independently associated with preparedness (aOR = 3.40, 95% CI: 1.37-8.45, p = 0.009) but did not moderate the PCC effect. Patient-centered communication is a central predictor of treatment preparedness among lung cancer patients. However, its effectiveness may depend on patients' literacy. Literacy-sensitive communication strategies and digital support interventions may help ensure that patients with varying health and digital literacy levels are better prepared to understand, initiate, and engage in lung cancer treatment.
Building the Oncology Workforce: A Qualitative Evaluation of an Inter-Institutional Cancer Research Internship for Underrepresented Undergraduate Students.
Daye A, Bryant AL, Walens A … +5 more , Austin B, Godfrey S, Carlisle V, Mihas P, Lee C
J Cancer Educ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42228313 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The Building Oncology Workforce (BOW) program was established to enhance participation of students from underrepresented backgrounds in cancer research. Developed through a strategic collaboration between the...
BACKGROUND: The Building Oncology Workforce (BOW) program was established to enhance participation of students from underrepresented backgrounds in cancer research. Developed through a strategic collaboration between the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and North Carolina Central University, the program exposes underrepresented undergraduate STEM students to mentored research, clinical trials, cancer science, and professional development, aiming to build a diverse oncology workforce and increase clinical trial participation among underserved populations. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative evaluation of five interns and five mentors after the first summer of BOW internship. Data were gathered through focus groups (interns) and interviews (mentors) pre and post internship. Expectations, curriculum perceptions, and gender/racial concordance were explored. Audio recordings were transcribed and coded using Atlas.ti software. A universal codebook was used for intercoder reliability, with further thematic analysis conducted via Code-Document and Code Co-Occurrence methods. RESULTS: Ten participants (5 interns, 5 mentors) were included in the analysis. Common codes emerged of concerns, content missing from curriculum, exposure, gender and racial concordance/discordance, and need for clarity. Pre-program revealed the value of structured mentoring, early exposure to cancer research, and professional development in fostering students' confidence and career interest in cancer-related fields. Mentors emphasized the importance of bi-directional learning and culturally responsive mentorship. Post-program interns reported increased clarity about career pathways, stronger research skills, and a greater sense of belonging in academic and clinical research environments. CONCLUSIONS: The BOW program demonstrates that immersive, mentored research experiences tailored to underrepresented students can significantly enhance engagement in cancer research careers. This model of inter-institutional strategic partnership and intentional curriculum design can help address diversity gaps in the biomedical workforce.
Evaluating the Performance of Large Language Models for Breast Cancer Patient Education: A Comparative Study.
Zhang Q, Yu Q, Wang G … +9 more , Zeng Z, Liu S, Rao X, Cheng C, Wang X, Shi L, Wang S, He S, Wang Y
J Cancer Educ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42228312 · Publisher ↗
Breast Cancer necessitates effective patient education. Large language models (LLMs) facilitate patient health consultation, yet their generated medical content may contain misleading and unsafe information. Systematic e...
Breast Cancer necessitates effective patient education. Large language models (LLMs) facilitate patient health consultation, yet their generated medical content may contain misleading and unsafe information. Systematic evaluations of mainstream LLMs for breast cancer health guidance are currently lacking. This study evaluated six LLMs' (ChatGPT-5.4-thinking, Claude-4.6-sonnet, Gemini-3.1-Pro, DeepSeek-V3.2, Doubao-2.2-thinking, and ERNIE 4.5 Turbo) performance in breast cancer consultation via a structured checklist. A set of 61 standardized questions regarding breast cancer was developed based on Google Trends, clinical guidelines, practical experiences, and expert reviews. Responses from each LLM were independently evaluated by three breast cancer experts focusing on quality, accuracy, comprehensiveness, and safety. Besides, four patients independently evaluated the satisfaction and understandability of their selected three questions of interest. This study utilized Bernard's Global Quality Score (GQS) tool to assess quality. Readability was assessed using the Chinese Resource Platform (CRP). Other indicators were evaluated using self-designed questionnaires. Statistical analyses were performed using RStudio. In expert evaluations, ERNIE 4.5 Turbo had the highest descriptive quality score and was among the top-performing models in safety (Bonferroni-adjusted P < 0.05), while several models performed comparably in comprehensiveness. There was no significant difference in accuracy among the models. ChatGPT-5.4-thinking scored significantly lower in safety, and Doubao-2.2-thinking had significantly lower reading difficulty, required age, and Chinese character count (adjusted P < 0.05). In patient evaluations, ERNIE 4.5 Turbo showed the highest descriptive satisfaction and understandability ratings. Six large language models performed strongly in breast cancer question-answering, with ERNIE 4.5 Turbo ranking highest. However, issues like poor readability and unsafe recommendations remain in answers. Future research should prioritize enhancing patient readability to facilitate AI's application in precision cancer health education.
The Almost-Cancer Curriculum: Teaching General Practice/Family Medicine Trainees to Manage Risk-Bearing Findings Before Diagnosis.
Jerjes W
J Cancer Educ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42228311 · Publisher ↗
Cancer education traditionally focuses on prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship and palliative care. However, primary care trainees frequently encounter patients with premalignant, indeterminate or ri...
Cancer education traditionally focuses on prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship and palliative care. However, primary care trainees frequently encounter patients with premalignant, indeterminate or risk-bearing findings that require surveillance despite the absence of cancer. These "almost-cancer" encounters demand skills in risk communication, uncertainty management and continuity of care. This article proposes an Almost-Cancer Curriculum for general practice and family medicine trainees, centred on avoiding binary reassurance, developing risk grammar, clarifying surveillance ownership and supporting patient understanding beyond the consultation. By teaching trainees to manage cancer-related uncertainty before diagnosis, the curriculum aims to improve communication, equity, follow-up safety and patient-centred care.
The TRAINE Program for Networking T32 Cancer Prevention Fellows Across Institutions: a Preliminary Report.
Wisnivesky JP, McVeety M, Fuemmeler BF … +9 more , Hitsman B, Montgomery GH, O'Neill SC, Palesh O, Ribisl KM, Simmons VN, Vadaparampil ST, Yanez BR, Lin JJ
J Cancer Educ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42219437 · Full text
Developing a well-connected research workforce is essential for advancing cancer research. While National Institutes of Health T32 programs provide foundational training, opportunities for cross-institutional networking...
Developing a well-connected research workforce is essential for advancing cancer research. While National Institutes of Health T32 programs provide foundational training, opportunities for cross-institutional networking and mentorship remain limited. To address these gaps, six Cancer Prevention and Control (CPC)-focused T32 programs created the Trainee Research Acceleration through Information and Networking Exchange (TRAINE) program. TRAINE is a multi-institutional collaboration designed to facilitate structured exchange visits where predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees engage with faculty and peers at a partner institution. The program focuses on three core objectives: expanding professional networks, fostering research collaborations, and improving scientific communication through a practice research presentation. TRAINE was primarily conceptualized as a virtual program; however, in-person visits were incorporated when feasible and aligned with trainee and site preferences. During the program's first two years, 19 CPC fellows participated in TRAINE. Post-visit surveys indicated high satisfaction, with trainees citing the value of external faculty feedback, networking with peers, job talk practice, and exposure to other research environments. All respondents recommended the program to peers. TRAINE represents a practical, scalable model for enhancing professional development, offering a novel approach to strengthening the pipeline of early-career investigators in cancer prevention and control. This manuscript provides an overview of the first two years of the TRAINE program.
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 May · PMID 42217135 · Publisher ↗
Chimeric antigen receptor t-cell (CAR T) therapy is a promising treatment option for patients with various types of leukemia and lymphoma, yet little is known about oncologists' attitudes, knowledge, and referral pattern...
Chimeric antigen receptor t-cell (CAR T) therapy is a promising treatment option for patients with various types of leukemia and lymphoma, yet little is known about oncologists' attitudes, knowledge, and referral patterns for this therapy. Our goal was to identify potential gaps in Florida oncologists' attitudes, knowledge, and referral patterns for CAR T in patients with diffuse large b-cell lymphoma, transformed follicular lymphoma, primary mediastinal b-cell lymphoma, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Oncologists and Hematologists in Florida were identified from the American Medical Association's Physician Masterfile (n=771) and invited to complete a survey measuring attitudes and knowledge about CAR T and referral patterns between August 2020-October 2020. We received 67 completed surveys (10% response rate). Results were quantified using descriptive statistics. Of those who completed surveys, physicians in our study indicated moderate confidence in CAR T efficacy (49.2%), toxicity (53.8%), and indications (60%). Physicians reported frequently discussing CAR T with patients (59.4%) and indicated experiencing patient concerns about safety/toxicity of CAR T (31.7%) and concerns about cost/insurance coverage (39.7%). Educational materials are not frequently utilized by physicians when discussing CAR T with patients; 73% indicated they never/rarely have materials available at clinic visits. Our study is among the first to assess oncologist's attitudes, knowledge, and referral patterns of CAR T therapy for patients with diffuse large B-Cell Lymphoma. Efforts are needed to educate community oncologists about CAR T and develop educational materials for patients to aid in decision making about CAR T therapy and improve physician confidence and referral patterns.
Adherence to Lifestyle Recommendations and Role of Information Sources in Cancer Follow-up: A Cross Sectional Study.
Saggio C, Tralongo AC, Di Mari A … +6 more , Iacono M, Romano F, Giuliano SR, Cappuccio F, Tata E, Tralongo P
J Cancer Educ · 2026 May · PMID 42215786 · Publisher ↗
Adherence to lifestyle recommendations among cancer survivors is essential for reducing the risk of recurrence and improving quality of life, but remains suboptimal. The role of information sources in improving patient k...
Adherence to lifestyle recommendations among cancer survivors is essential for reducing the risk of recurrence and improving quality of life, but remains suboptimal. The role of information sources in improving patient knowledge and behavior is a key component of cancer education. This study aims to evaluate adherence to international dietary and lifestyle recommendations in cancer survivors during follow-up and to assess the impact of information sources on knowledge and self-reported behavioral change. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 500 adult cancer survivors attending follow-up visits at a Medical Oncology Unit of Syracuse. An anonymous questionnaire assessed dietary habits, physical activity, smoking and alcohol use, knowledge of international recommendations, and source of information. An adherence score classified patients into four categories (critical, low, moderate, high). Descriptive and comparative analyses examined associations between information sources, knowledge, and behavioral change. Low adherence to dietary and lifestyle recommendations was observed in 52% of patients, while accurate knowledge of lifestyle recommendations was reported by 23% of participants. Similarly, 66% reported no dietary changes and 56% were physically inactive. Patients informed by healthcare professional sources showed higher levels of knowledge and greater likelihood of adopting healthy behaviors than those who relied on informal sources. Adherence to lifestyle recommendations in cancer survivorship is limited and influenced by the source and quality of information. Integrating structured, multidisciplinary cancer education and lifestyle counseling into routine follow-up may improve knowledge, risk perception, and long-term behavioral outcomes.
Exploring the Phases of First-Year Hematology-Oncology Fellowship: A Qualitative Study.
Chu L, Dafoe A, Brewer S
J Cancer Educ · 2026 May · PMID 42213393 · Publisher ↗
While transitions occur multiple times over the course of medical training, there is limited research focused on fellows' experiences and challenges during their transition from residency into subspecialty training, spec...
While transitions occur multiple times over the course of medical training, there is limited research focused on fellows' experiences and challenges during their transition from residency into subspecialty training, specifically hematology-oncology fellowship. We aimed to explore the lived experiences of hematology-oncology fellows, with a focus on the transition to fellowship. We conducted a qualitative study using one-on-one semi-structured interviews with 13 hematology-oncology fellows across all three fellowship years at the University of Colorado from September 2024 to May 2025. The authors used a combined interpretive phenomenological analysis approach and practical thematic analysis to describe hematology-oncology fellows' experiences of the fellowship transition. Fellows describe three distinct transitional phases including 1) pre-fellowship, 2) initial transition, and 3) extended transition. The end of the transition is followed by a plateau/stabilization phase. These phases are characterized by different levels of autonomy, support needs, and learning, and are influenced by fellows' self-imposed expectations and program and attending expectations. This qualitative study exploring fellows' experiences during their first year of hematology-oncology fellowship provides insight into the challenges of adapting to new roles in subspecialty training.
The Symptom Biography Curriculum: Teaching Medical Students to Follow the Life Story of a Possible Cancer Symptom.
Jerjes W
J Cancer Educ · 2026 May · PMID 42209856 · Publisher ↗
The Symptom Biography Curriculum proposes a new approach to undergraduate cancer education that teaches medical students to explore how possible cancer symptoms evolve before presentation to healthcare services. Rather t...
The Symptom Biography Curriculum proposes a new approach to undergraduate cancer education that teaches medical students to explore how possible cancer symptoms evolve before presentation to healthcare services. Rather than focusing solely on structured symptom checklists, the curriculum encourages students to examine symptom interpretation, changing language, patient attribution, delay, and the social context surrounding help-seeking. The approach introduces competencies including temporal listening, attribution listening, language tracking, and delay without blame. Through simulated consultations, reflective exercises, and patient narratives, students learn to reconstruct the "life story" of symptoms before diagnosis. This curriculum aims to strengthen diagnostic curiosity, communication skills, and patient-centred understanding in early cancer education.
Educational Interventions in Oral Hygiene for Patients Undergoing Head and Neck Cancer Radiotherapy: A Feasibility Study.
Betancourt S, Cavillon A, Teulières MC … +4 more , Cabarrou B, Epstein JB, Vigarios E, Maret D
J Cancer Educ · 2026 May · PMID 42209855 · Publisher ↗
Head and neck cancers represent approximately 5% of all malignant tumors. Radiotherapy is a primary treatment option but can induce significant toxicities affecting oral health and quality of life. This study evaluated t...
Head and neck cancers represent approximately 5% of all malignant tumors. Radiotherapy is a primary treatment option but can induce significant toxicities affecting oral health and quality of life. This study evaluated the feasibility and potential benefits of providing written oral hygiene instructions to patients to prevent or manage dental and oral complications in head and neck cancer patients. This prospective, single-center, feasibility study included 44 patients with head and neck cancer requiring radiotherapy who had a dental plaque index ≥ 30%. A dental assistant provided oral hygiene education and a written information guide. The primary outcome was improvement in oral hygiene defined as a reduction of ≥ 30% in dental plaque index at 3 months post-radiotherapy. Secondary outcomes included evolution of plaque index, patient satisfaction, and motivation toward oral health. Of the 44 patients initially included, 32 were evaluable for the primary outcome (9 died before final assessment, 1 refused follow-up, 1 did not follow study procedures and 1 did not undergo radiotherapy). At 3 months post-radiotherapy, 65.6% of patients demonstrated a ≥ 30% reduction in dental plaque index. There was a notable increase in the frequency of tooth brushing (from 21.9% to 48.4% brushing three times daily) and mouthwash use (from 53.1% to 75%). Regular dental check-ups increased from 68.8% to 78.1%. 97% of patients were satisfied with the clarity of information in the guide, and 97% with its comprehensiveness. This feasibility study suggests that providing written oral hygiene instructions, combined with patient education/consultation, shows promise for improving oral hygiene practices among head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. The high level of patient satisfaction and maintained motivation toward oral health indicate the potential value of this approach in oral supportive care. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT05494970 (https//clinicaltrials.gov/study/ NCT05494970).
Development and Evaluation of Foundational Cancer Science Graduate Courses in the Evolving Landscape of Cancer Research.
Kandel E, Nemeth M, O'Connor R … +6 more , Tzetzo S, Block AW, Rosario S, Shaurova T, Seshadri M, Hershberger PA
J Cancer Educ · 2026 May · PMID 42207237 · Publisher ↗
Roswell Park is a free-standing Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, New York and serves as the academic home to a doctoral program in Cancer Sciences. To meet the evolving cancer research landscape, we developed and...
Roswell Park is a free-standing Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, New York and serves as the academic home to a doctoral program in Cancer Sciences. To meet the evolving cancer research landscape, we developed and implemented a series of sequential Integrated Cancer Sciences (ICS-I, ICS-II, and ICS-III) courses that provide a strong, multi-disciplinary foundational knowledge to graduate trainees, regardless of their eventual specialization. These courses span the entire spectrum of cancer research from basic biology to population science/epidemiology, cancer therapeutics, and clinical oncology and were intentionally developed to prepare trainees for diverse careers in cancer research. The engagement and participation of basic, population science, and clinical faculty was integral for successful implementation of these courses. Survey responses were collected from students who had completed the ICS courses since 2018 to evaluate course content, depth, and perceived value. Ninety-five percent of respondents felt the depth of course content was appropriate for graduate study. A majority of trainees (74%) felt that the ICS courses significantly expanded their knowledge base beyond their immediate interest area. We continue to assess and update the content of ICS courses to better reflect the growing training needs, especially in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).
Health Literacy is Not just Reading Ability: Rethinking Cancer Education for Older Adults.
Suksatan W
J Cancer Educ · 2026 May · PMID 42204056 · Publisher ↗
Cancer education is often conceptualized as the delivery of simplified information, based on the assumption that improved readability leads to patient understanding. However, this perspective inadequately captures how ol...
Cancer education is often conceptualized as the delivery of simplified information, based on the assumption that improved readability leads to patient understanding. However, this perspective inadequately captures how older adults experience cancer care. Health literacy in oncology extends beyond the ability to read and comprehend written materials to include interpretation, navigation, emotional processing, and confidence within complex healthcare systems. Older adults frequently face overlapping challenges such as sensory impairment, cognitive changes, emotional distress, social isolation, and limited digital familiarity, all of which influence how cancer-related information is received and acted upon. These difficulties are commonly misinterpreted as nonadherence or disengagement rather than manifestations of hidden health literacy barriers. The increasing reliance on digital health technologies further complicates cancer education, as patient portals and electronic communication systems may unintentionally widen disparities among older adults with limited digital confidence. Moreover, cancer information is often interpreted through emotional and social lenses, including fear, stigma, and prior illness experiences, rather than biomedical reasoning alone. This paper argues for a broader, more contextualized understanding of health literacy in cancer education and emphasizes the importance of interactive, relational, and longitudinal communication approaches to support meaningful understanding and patient-centered cancer care among aging populations.
Development and Implementation of a Standardized Inpatient Fellow Hematology Curriculum: Enhancing Educational Experiences.
Mina SA, Lingamaneni P, Gangat N … +2 more , Paludo J, Godby RC
J Cancer Educ · 2026 May · PMID 42201446 · Publisher ↗
Inpatient hematology rotations are a cornerstone of fellowship training, although they often lack clear alignment of didactics with clinical duties and expectations. National surveys have highlighted heterogeneity in tra...
Inpatient hematology rotations are a cornerstone of fellowship training, although they often lack clear alignment of didactics with clinical duties and expectations. National surveys have highlighted heterogeneity in training environments and underscored the need for standardized educational frameworks. This education-focused quality-improvement project sought to establish and evaluate an inpatient Fellow Hematology Curriculum (FHC) at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. A baseline needs assessment survey of the fellowship trainees (n = 30) during the 2021-2022 academic year identified substantial variability in teaching quality, limited access to educational materials, inconsistent emphasis on evidence-based practice, and unclear learning objectives. In response, a structured, evidence-based inpatient FHC was developed using Kern's Six-Step Approach and implemented during the 2022-2023 academic year on the Lymphoma/Myeloma and Leukemia services. The curriculum incorporated weekly disease-focused themes, standardized lecture templates anchored to widely accepted resources, and fellow-generated faculty-vetted content distributed in advance of rotations. Post-implementation surveys demonstrated marked improvements across multiple domains. Fellows reported increased consultant engagement, improved access to educational materials (41% vs. 5% pre-implementation), stronger alignment of didactics with clinical duties (84% vs. 45%), and enhanced clarity of learning objectives (58% vs. 25%). Perceptions of evidence-based teaching rose from 15% to 58% and the quality of education was less dependent on the hematology consultants/attendings. Implementation of a structured inpatient FHC was feasible, well-received, and associated with substantial improvements in fellows' perceived educational quality. This scalable model offers a practical approach for programs seeking to enhance inpatient hematology training using systematic, learner-centered curriculum design.
Comment on "Understanding TikTok's Role in Young‑Onset Colorectal Cancer Awareness and Education".
Fan Z, Sun P, Li L
J Cancer Educ · 2026 May · PMID 42189474 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
When the Algorithm Speaks: A Case for Simulation-Based Training in Communicating Artificial Intelligence-Generated Prognostic Outputs in Oncology.
Ahmad K
J Cancer Educ · 2026 May · PMID 42174371 · Publisher ↗
Artificial intelligence prognostic tools are now embedded in routine oncology workflows, generating recurrence risk scores and survival estimates that clinicians must communicate to patients who did not ask to receive th...
Artificial intelligence prognostic tools are now embedded in routine oncology workflows, generating recurrence risk scores and survival estimates that clinicians must communicate to patients who did not ask to receive them from a machine. This paper reflects on the clinical and educational consequences of this shift. I introduce the concept of the algorithmic consultation: the triadic encounter in which an AI-generated prognostic output mediates communication between clinician and patient, creating conditions that existing communication frameworks were not designed to address. Neither the SPIKES protocol nor the most advanced AI-powered simulation in the published literature trains clinicians for this encounter. I describe five communicative demands that arise specifically when an AI output enters the consultation room, propose TRACE as a standardised patient-based simulation framework for postgraduate oncology training, and reflect on the consequences for patients in low- and middle-income country settings where AI tools are being deployed without parallel investment in communication training. The algorithm is already speaking. The question is whether the clinicians who must interpret its outputs have been equipped to do so.
YES Oklahoma: Building Pathways into Cancer Research and Public Health for Indigenous High School Students.
Monroe C, Lyons-Ketchum A, Palacios H … +5 more , Lund J, Walkup JR, Smith K, Wilhelm S, Ramesh R
J Cancer Educ · 2026 May · PMID 42174370 · Publisher ↗
Youth Enjoy Science (YES) Oklahoma (OK) Scholars is an eight-week summer program that engages American Indian high school students in cancer and biomedical research. YES OK uses a relational, place-informed educational m...
Youth Enjoy Science (YES) Oklahoma (OK) Scholars is an eight-week summer program that engages American Indian high school students in cancer and biomedical research. YES OK uses a relational, place-informed educational model, with a curriculum that emphasizes (1) increasing cancer biology and public health knowledge, (2) developing laboratory and scientific communication skills, (3) strengthening college and career preparation, and (4) connecting scientific learning to cultural and community contexts. YES OK Scholars offers two university courses for general education credit and integrates on- campus lectures and laboratory research experiences, with virtual instruction to increase accessibility. Long-term sustainability is supported through near-peer and community networks, where current and former Scholars contribute to recruitment, mentorship, and community engagement. Implementing a place-informed curriculum posed logistical and institutional challenges; however, through ongoing program adjustments, partnership development, and new partnerships, YES OK developed an ethically transferable framework for increasing Indigenous student participation in cancer research. This paper reports outcomes and implementation challenges since program inception.
Outcome Evaluation of NCI Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08) Program.
Boulanger-Espeut C, Demblowski L, Schmidt M … +3 more , Torres S, Bogler O, Zahir N
J Cancer Educ · 2026 May · PMID 42171864 · Publisher ↗
Clinical Scientists are an integral part of advancements in biomedicine as they leverage their expertise in the clinical aspects of disease when conducting scientific research. These investigators face several factors th...
Clinical Scientists are an integral part of advancements in biomedicine as they leverage their expertise in the clinical aspects of disease when conducting scientific research. These investigators face several factors that can impact their advancement to independent research careers such as having sufficient protected time to devote to academic work outside of clinical duties and the funds to support their research efforts. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08) is designed for this career path, and provides the necessary protected time for an intensive, supervised research career development experience, salary, as well as mentored guidance to help clinical scientists advance to independence. We analyzed former K08 awardees, as well as unfunded applicants to determine how receiving an NCI K08 award impacted research careers in terms of attaining substantive R01 or R01-equivalent (R01eq) awards, timing of R01eq awards, and institutional support. This information was additionally supported by surveys and interviews with K08 awardees with one or more R01eq awards, K08 awardees with no subsequent R01eq awards, and early-stage investigators that did not apply for the NCI K08 award. Results show that programmatic changes in Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 allowing for increased salary and research development support resulted in a more than threefold increase of K08 applications by FY 2024. This corresponds with an increase in NCI investment in the K08 program that exceeded $50 million in FY 2024. Awardees also hold more active grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and are located at more resource-rich institutions than those without an NCI K08 award. These results also show a slight delay in transition to independence as measured by time to first R01 award by K08 awardees. Survey respondents highlighted protected time as one of the most impactful factors towards establishing research independence while noting low salaries and insufficient research budgets remain as barriers. The NCI K08 program is important in the development and retention of clinical scientists and aiding them in achieving research independence. Potential program changes such as increased resource funds, decreased time of award duration, and post-award career development support for transition to independence may further improve K08 outcomes.
Exploring the Hidden Curriculum in Undergraduate Oncology Teaching.
Teodorescu-Arghezi E, Quinton N
J Cancer Educ · 2026 May · PMID 42159880 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The hidden curriculum is an underestimated and misunderstood concept in medical education. In undergraduate oncology teaching, the hidden curriculum has not been extensively explored and there is a gap regard...
BACKGROUND: The hidden curriculum is an underestimated and misunderstood concept in medical education. In undergraduate oncology teaching, the hidden curriculum has not been extensively explored and there is a gap regarding its role, influence and impact. OBJECTIVE: To explore the awareness and impact of the hidden curriculum in undergraduate oncology teaching. METHODS: Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight Year 4 medical students who have completed their oncology placement at a specialised cancer teaching hospital. The interviews were transcribed, curated and a thematic analysis was performed. FINDINGS: We identified two overarching themes with a total of five main themes. The first overarching theme explored what students think the hidden curriculum is, its elements and its impact within oncology teaching. The second overarching theme analysed the positives, challenges and misconceptions in oncology and how can oncology teaching be improved. CONCLUSION: Despite the growing interest, the hidden curriculum is still a misunderstood concept and medical students have limited awareness of what it means. Students acknowledge the important role of communication, empathy and role modelling and would like to see a greater emphasis of these elements being put in undergraduate oncology teaching. To address the current impact of cancer in patient care, the duration of the oncology placement should also be reconsidered.
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