J Cancer Educ [JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Benefits of Utilizing Experiential Learning in a Medical School Cancer Survivorship Course.
Gao Y, Buckley TJ, Amin K … +1 more , Fogarasi MC
J Cancer Educ · 2026 May · PMID 42154193 · Publisher ↗
Kolb's experiential learning theory emphasizes that effective learning occurs through repeated cycles of a concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation. We evaluated...
Kolb's experiential learning theory emphasizes that effective learning occurs through repeated cycles of a concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation. We evaluated this framework in a 15-week cancer survivorship selective with nine medical and three premedical students. Weekly sessions, co-led by the course facilitator and invited guests, paired in-class experiences with reflective homework assignments which tasked learners to develop new concepts in 4 domains: patients/survivors (PS), caregivers' issues (CI), illness experience (IE), and interprofessional care (IPC). Students shared their concepts in the subsequent class and applied them in their next Kolb's cycle. They generated 278 new concepts during the course (PS: 76, CI: 53, IE: 59, and IPC: 90) and applied, on average, ten self-developed concepts on their final assignment. On the immediate post-course survey, 12/12 (100%) students rated the course, and 9/12 students (75%) rated the Kolb's cycle elements within it as extremely/mostly helpful. One year later, all 9 medical students responded to a follow-up survey on the impact of the course on clinical encounters during clerkships. Here, students reported that the course had a significant, lasting impact on their understanding of survivorship issues (7/9) and overall patient management (7/9), with qualitative comments noting a greater understanding of longitudinal survivorship care, holistic awareness, the importance of interprofessional and coordinated care, and improved clinical awareness and communication. Overall, Kolb's experiential learning framework was well-received, enabled learners to effectively develop and apply their own survivorship-related concepts, and showed lasting effect after students transitioned to clinical clerkships.
Research Survey on Recognition of Medical Oncology among Medical Students and Junior Residents in Japan.
Ota Y, Hayashi R, Tokunaga K … +12 more , Endo S, Takamizawa S, Kito Y, Nanba R, Saito K, Kanamoto M, Takahashi R, Shirakawa T, Azuma T, Takano T, Nakajima TE, Minami H
J Cancer Educ · 2026 May · PMID 42149334 · Publisher ↗
PURPOSE: Few reports have investigated the attitudes of medical students and early residents toward medical oncology and their career decisions. This study aimed to assess recognition, interest, and factors influencing t...
PURPOSE: Few reports have investigated the attitudes of medical students and early residents toward medical oncology and their career decisions. This study aimed to assess recognition, interest, and factors influencing the intention to specialize in medical oncology among medical students and junior residents. METHODS: A 20-item questionnaire survey was conducted online from November to December 2024. Participants were recruited from medical universities, university hospitals, and general hospitals across Japan. Responses regarding perceptions of medical oncology and decisive factors for career choice were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 632 medical students and junior residents completed the survey. Among them, 545 (86%) recognized medical oncology, and 243 (38%) considered it a potential future career. The correlation coefficient between academic year and recognition of medical oncology was 0.976, whereas that between academic year and interest was -0.810. Sensitivity of interest, defined as the proportion of participants considering medical oncology as a career among those interested in it, was highest in third-year students (0.78). Multivariate analysis identified interest in cancer treatment as the strongest predictor of considering medical oncology as a career (contribution rate, 43%; range, 1.62; partial correlation coefficient, 0.28). CONCLUSION: Recognition of medical oncology increased with academic year, whereas interest declined. Interest in cancer treatment was the strongest predictor of intention to specialize in medical oncology.
Oral Cancer Education Gaps in Dental Practice.
Mendoza-García ME, Cassol-Spanemberg J
J Cancer Educ · 2026 May · PMID 42149333 · Publisher ↗
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Self-Assessment Versus Peer Assessment of Oncology Communication Skills in Medical Students: A Video-Based Pilot Study.
Dantas MCDS, Moreira SDNT, Pinto Júnior FEL
J Cancer Educ · 2026 May · PMID 42141232 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Communication of difficult news is a core competency in oncology education. How accurately medical students self-assess their communication performance shapes formative learning and curriculum design. PURPOSE...
BACKGROUND: Communication of difficult news is a core competency in oncology education. How accurately medical students self-assess their communication performance shapes formative learning and curriculum design. PURPOSE: To examine differences between self-assessment and peer assessment of bad-news communication skills in a video-assisted standardized patient (SP) examination, and to characterize student perceptions of video-based feedback. METHODS: A mixed-methods pilot study enrolled 49 third-year medical students (10 examinees, 39 peer assessors) in a mandatory oncology course at a Brazilian federal university. Communication was assessed using a structured ten-domain checklist (10-60 points) informed by the SPIKES protocol, the Calgary-Cambridge Guide, and the MAAS-Global Manual. Checklists were completed before and after video review. Condition effects were quantified using effect sizes (Cohen's dₚ) and 95% confidence intervals. Written qualitative responses underwent categorical content analysis. RESULTS: All ten examinees rated themselves below the corresponding peer mean (self: 36.5/60; peer: 43.2/60; mean difference = 6.73 points; 95% CI (0.30, 13.16); Cohen's d = 0.75). Video review did not alter scores (mean change = - 0.10; 95% CI (- 1.56, 1.36); d = 0.05). Qualitative categories identified empathy, SPIKES adherence, and step-by-step video evaluation as the dominant themes. All students rated video-based feedback positively. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot sample, all ten examinees rated themselves below the corresponding peer mean - a pattern of discrepancy that diverges from the overestimation pattern more commonly reported in international meta-analyses. Video-based feedback was qualitatively valued, with no statistically detectable effect on checklist scores over a single review session. These hypothesis-generating findings warrant larger, instrument-validated studies.
Knowledge Levels and Awareness of Stem Cell Donation Among First-Degree Relatives of Patients with Hematological Malignancies.
Alayvaz Aslan N, Kartal T, Ekiz OS … +1 more , Şişman B
J Cancer Educ · 2026 May · PMID 42133229 · Publisher ↗
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a crucial treatment for hematological malignancies. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and consideration to donate stem cells among first-degree relatives of adu...
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a crucial treatment for hematological malignancies. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and consideration to donate stem cells among first-degree relatives of adult patients with hematological malignancies. This descriptive cross-sectional study included 149 first-degree relatives of patients with hematological malignancies. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a 22-item structured questionnaire that assessed demographic characteristics, knowledge levels, and attitudes toward stem cell donation. Regarding general awareness, only 19.5% (n = 29) of participants reported having detailed knowledge about the concept and meaning of stem cell donation, while 9.4% (n = 14) had no idea at all. Regarding the specific technical procedure, 34.9% (n = 52) reported being completely unaware of how it is performed, and only 16.8% (n = 25) had detailed knowledge. Notably, while 88.6% (n = 132) of participants expressed a desire for more information, 62.4% (n = 93) stated they had not previously considered becoming donors. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that knowledge level regarding the concept and meaning of stem cell donation was the only independent factor significantly associated with the prior consideration of donation (p = 0.007). First-degree relatives of patients with hematological malignancies often possess insufficient knowledge and hold misconceptions regarding stem cell donation. Since higher knowledge levels are significantly associated with a greater likelihood of having considered donation, it is essential to implement structured awareness campaigns with simplified, targeted content to expand the donor pool.
US Immigrants and their Knowledge of their Family History of Cancer: A Population-Based Study.
Kutten WS, Danquah JB, K Wayne NA … +3 more , Anokye-Mensah S, T Opoku S, A Apenteng B
J Cancer Educ · 2026 May · PMID 42118498 · Publisher ↗
This study explores the relationship between immigrant status and awareness of family history of cancer (FHC) among various ethnic groups in the United States. Using data from the Health Information National Trends Surve...
This study explores the relationship between immigrant status and awareness of family history of cancer (FHC) among various ethnic groups in the United States. Using data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 5), a nationally representative cross-sectional survey of U.S. adults, Cycle 2 (2018), a population-based cross-sectional analysis was conducted among adults aged 18 years or older. Multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for sociodemographic factors such as gender, age, education level, and personal income. Overall, more than half of the participants were aware of their family history of cancer. After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, immigrants demonstrated high levels of FHC knowledge, except for non-Hispanic other immigrants (OR=0.55; 95% CI=0.30-0.98), whose awareness was relatively lower. Gender, education level, and income were significant predictors of FHC awareness, with women (OR=2,12; 95% CI=1.56-2.90), individuals with higher education levels (OR=2.34; 95% CI=1.33-4.13), and those with higher income (OR=1.83; 95% CI=1.12-2.99) more likely to be aware of their family cancer history. The study highlights the importance of addressing disparities in FHC awareness, especially among immigrant populations, to improve cancer screening and treatment outcomes. Efforts to promote family conversations about cancer history, particularly among men and specific ethnic groups, could mitigate these disparities and enhance cancer risk assessment and prevention strategies.
Memorable Medicine: How the BEAT Campaign could Impact the Future of Ovarian Cancer.
Lewis F, Schäfer L, Kennedy U … +14 more , Dean K, Drummond FJ, O'Meara Y, Carter B, Furlong F, McCabe A, O'Connell L, Carr B, Campbell C, O'Raw D, Callinan L, Flannelly D, Murphy A, O'Toole SA
J Cancer Educ · 2026 May · PMID 42115471 · Publisher ↗
Late presentation of ovarian cancer continues to pose a major challenge, as the disease typically manifests with vague and misattributed symptoms. Public awareness initiatives have sought to address this through the use...
Late presentation of ovarian cancer continues to pose a major challenge, as the disease typically manifests with vague and misattributed symptoms. Public awareness initiatives have sought to address this through the use of succinct, symptom-based messaging. The BEAT acronym - Bloating, Eating difficulties, Abdominal pain, Toilet changes - has been developed as a public health tool to promote symptom recognition and timely action in ovarian cancer. Its origins are considered in the context of health communication strategies that also employ acronym-based tools, with lessons drawn from the success of the FAST campaign for stroke awareness. International and national approaches to ovarian cancer awareness, including community partnerships, social media campaigns, and visual public engagement, are also discussed herein. Such initiatives reveal the considerable reach and engagement possible through coordinated awareness campaigns, emphasising their potential to catalyse earlier presentation and diagnosis in ovarian cancer.
School-Based Cancer Education and Health Literacy: A Pre-Post Study on Cancer Prevention and System Navigation Among Brazilian Adolescents.
Magalhães LL, da Veiga CP, da Veiga CRP … +1 more , Drummond-Lage AP
J Cancer Educ · 2026 May · PMID 42105192 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Cancer incidence in Brazil is projected to reach approximately 781,000 new cases annually in 2026-2028, with persistent regional and social inequalities. School-based interventions may represent an upstream s...
BACKGROUND: Cancer incidence in Brazil is projected to reach approximately 781,000 new cases annually in 2026-2028, with persistent regional and social inequalities. School-based interventions may represent an upstream strategy to improve cancer literacy and promote equity-oriented prevention. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the immediate impact of a structured cancer education intervention on knowledge, beliefs, emotional responses, and health system navigation among Brazilian public school adolescents. Methods A repeated cross-sectional pre-post study was conducted among 8th-grade students from public schools (pre-test n = 910; post-test n = 888). The educational intervention addressed cancer epidemiology, modifiable risk factors, warning signs, stigma, and navigation within the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). Differences between assessments were analyzed using Pearson's chi-square test. Effect sizes were estimated using Cramér's V. RESULTS: Significant improvements were observed in knowledge of cancer incidence (39.9% vs. 67.8%, p < 0.001, V = 0.59) and modifiable risk factors, particularly overweight (43.9% vs. 82.9%, V = 0.39), physical inactivity (48.9% vs. 86.6%, V = 0.39), and alcohol consumption (65.1% vs. 91.7%, V = 0.32). Recognition of cancer warning signs increased from 40.5% to 73.6% (p < 0.001, V = 0.33). Correct identification of the Basic Health Unit as the appropriate SUS entry point rose from 10.8% to 37.2% (p < 0.001, V = 0.33). When reflecting on cancer, participants reported a modest increase in negative emotional responses, including anxiety, sadness, and feelings of insecurity, whereas levels of fear remained relatively stable over time. Notably, motivation to engage in discussions about cancer with family members and to adopt healthier lifestyle behaviors increased significantly, suggesting a shift toward greater proactive engagement despite heightened emotional awareness. CONCLUSIONS: This school-based intervention produced meaningful short-term improvements in cancer literacy and system-oriented health knowledge. Integrating structured cancer education into public school curricula may contribute to long-term reductions in socially patterned disparities in cancer prevention and access to care.
The Weight of Breaking Bad News.
DeLaune J
J Cancer Educ · 2026 May · PMID 42105191 · Publisher ↗
Delivering bad news is a core competency in oncology and a central focus of medical education, often taught through structured frameworks such as the SPIKES protocol. While these approaches emphasize clarity, empathy, an...
Delivering bad news is a core competency in oncology and a central focus of medical education, often taught through structured frameworks such as the SPIKES protocol. While these approaches emphasize clarity, empathy, and patient-centered communication, they insufficiently address the cumulative emotional burden experienced by clinicians who repeatedly both deliver and receive life-altering information. In this reflective narrative, I trace my evolution from a medical student first encountering simulated difficult conversations to an oncologist and educator now responsible for teaching these skills. Through longitudinal clinical experiences, including the deaths of two patients with whom I developed distinct but meaningful relationships, I examine the often-unspoken toll of oncology practice. These encounters prompted the development of a "Patient Memorial Service" within a fellowship training program curriculum, an intentional space for shared storytelling, grief processing, and community building among trainees and faculty. Early experiences suggest such reflective practices foster emotional validation, professional connection, and resilience. This narrative argues that existing educational frameworks for breaking bad news are incomplete without parallel instruction in coping, debriefing, and communal support. Incorporating structured opportunities for reflection may better prepare learners not only to care for patients but also to sustain themselves within emotionally demanding careers in oncology.
Reassurance as Cancer Education after a Benign Investigation.
Jerjes W, Williams S
J Cancer Educ · 2026 May · PMID 42101578 · Publisher ↗
Cancer education is typically associated with diagnosis and treatment, yet patients undergoing cancer assessment who receive benign results also experience significant psychological and educational impact. This article r...
Cancer education is typically associated with diagnosis and treatment, yet patients undergoing cancer assessment who receive benign results also experience significant psychological and educational impact. This article reframes reassurance as an active clinical and educational process, emphasising its role in shaping patients' understanding of symptoms, risk, and future help-seeking. It proposes a structured approach to post-assessment communication, including explaining the rationale for investigation, defining the limits of reassurance, and supporting ongoing symptom awareness. The paper highlights the importance of continuity, equity, and tailored communication strategies, arguing that benign cancer assessments represent critical, under-recognised opportunities for meaningful patient education.
The Role of Evidence-Based Information in Shared Decision-Making for Breast Reconstruction: Insights from the GRETA-V2 Decision Aid.
Sebri V, Catanuto G, Rocco N … +6 more , Dorangricchia P, Balafa K, Gioco R, Mirshekar B, Polotto S, Pravettoni G
J Cancer Educ · 2026 May · PMID 42101577 · Publisher ↗
Background shared decision-making (SDM) is essential in breast reconstruction following mastectomy, a setting where patients face complex and preference-sensitive choices. Decision aids help patients to understand treatm...
Background shared decision-making (SDM) is essential in breast reconstruction following mastectomy, a setting where patients face complex and preference-sensitive choices. Decision aids help patients to understand treatment options by providing evidence-based information in a clear and accessible format. Objective to explore the utility of the GRETA-V2 decision aid in enhancing patient-centered decision-making in post-mastectomy breast reconstruction through expert evaluation and content refinement. Methods GRETA-V2 was developed through a multiphase process involving a core team of breast surgeons and psycho-oncologists. It was iteratively refined using feedback from semi-structured interviews with a multidisciplinary panel, including plastic surgeons, nurses, and patient advocates. Participants assessed the tool's clarity, usefulness, and alignment with patients' values. A qualitative thematic analysis was conducted to identify areas for improvement. Results: Experts highlighted the value of visual aids, accurate data presentation, and inclusive language. Key themes identified were design (visual clarity and realism), data presentation (statistical accuracy and cultural tailoring), and content (informational completeness, psychological aspects, clarity, and integration of patient experiences). The tool was recognized as supportive of SDM, but refinements were suggested to improve understanding of radiotherapy, surgical options, postoperative recovery, and emotional impacts. Conclusions: GRETA-V2 demonstrates potential as a patient-centered DA grounded in evidence and clinical insight. Further refinement based on user testing is recommended to enhance its relevance and effectiveness in real-world settings.
The Unseen Pillars of Precision: A Qualitative Study on Feedback, Communication, and Motivation Among Medical Technologists in Radiation Oncology.
Fakhrian K, Nieder C, Kupp PG … +2 more , Mücke R, Adamietz IA
J Cancer Educ · 2026 May · PMID 42071099 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: In radiation oncology, Medical Technologists for Radiology (MTR) play a pivotal role in delivering both technical precision and compassionate patient care. Despite their essential contribution, little empiric...
BACKGROUND: In radiation oncology, Medical Technologists for Radiology (MTR) play a pivotal role in delivering both technical precision and compassionate patient care. Despite their essential contribution, little empirical research has investigated the factors influencing their professional motivation. With growing staff shortages and increasing complexity of radiotherapy techniques, understanding these factors has become imperative. METHODS: This qualitative study explores the professional experiences and motivational factors of seven MTRs employed at a university-affiliated radiotherapy center in Germany. Semi-structured, problem-centered interviews were conducted and analyzed using inductive thematic coding. The study examines how demographic factors, communication dynamics, emotional burden, and feedback mechanisms influence motivation. Two hypotheses guided the study. First, motivation for further professional development may vary with age and years of professional experience. Second, the absence of feedback about patient outcomes negatively impacts motivation. RESULTS: The interviews revealed a consistent perception across all participants of insufficient communication regarding patient outcomes, particularly the lack of positive feedback, which was described as demotivating. Differences in motivation for further training were observed, with younger MTRs expressing greater willingness to engage in continuing education, while older staff more frequently reported personal and structural constraints. Importantly, all participants emphasized a strong and enduring commitment to patient care, with treatment precision consistently maintained as a professional and ethical obligation. CONCLUSIONS: Motivation among MTRs is strongly influenced by organizational factors, particularly communication and feedback structures. Addressing the lack of systematic feedback on patient outcomes may represent a key opportunity to enhance professional satisfaction and emotional resilience. Differences in engagement with continuing education appear to be shaped by individual life circumstances rather than a general decline in work motivation.
Managing Radiation Therapy Treatment Delivery Challenges: Impact of an Interprofessional Educational Series for Radiation Therapists and Radiation Oncology Residents.
McDonald J, De La Cruz D, Pinnix CC … +9 more , Bronk JK, Hassanzadeh C, Holliday EB, Lee A, Mitchell MP, Mitra D, Perni S, Taku N, Gunther JR
J Cancer Educ · 2026 May · PMID 42068450 · Publisher ↗
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...
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.
Using ChatGPT to Solve Clinical Radiobiology Problems.
Su CW, Dai KY, Chen YJ … +1 more , Kao YS
J Cancer Educ · 2026 Apr · PMID 42062655 · Publisher ↗
ChatGPT is one of the most advanced large language models. We aim to examine ChatGPT-4o accuracy in solving radiobiology computational problems. Two board-certified radiation oncologists created a problem set consisting...
ChatGPT is one of the most advanced large language models. We aim to examine ChatGPT-4o accuracy in solving radiobiology computational problems. Two board-certified radiation oncologists created a problem set consisting of 30 questions. We used OpenAI API to query the ChatGPT(model: GPT-4o) and generate corresponding answers. Answers were graded using a 3-score system. We conducted subgroup analysis for no prompts(zero-shot learning) and different prompts, questions with or without alpha-beta ratio, and question categories. ChatGPT correctly answered approximately 60% of questions without any prompting strategies. While ChatGPT demonstrates stable performance in structured calculation problems, particularly those involving alpha-beta ratios, it still exhibits notable limitations in handling multi-step reasoning and clinical decision-making tasks. This result highlights the need for integrating professional tools and refining prompting strategies to enhance their practical utility.
ONC-Call: A Hands-On Workshop of Emergent Spine Radiation Therapy for Multidisciplinary Trainees.
Kleber TJ, Baker JS, Langstaff AR … +15 more , Martin-Paulpeter RM, Simmons LA, McDonald J, Thomas RJ, Campelo SN, Greaber XM, Steely MM, Zepeda C, Zhu YM, de la Cruz D, Melancon AD, Dehghanpour M, Whiteing DJ, Pinnix CC, Gunther JR
J Cancer Educ · 2026 Apr · PMID 42053860 · Publisher ↗
Structured opportunities for interprofessional education remain limited in radiation oncology training programs, particularly related to emergency scenarios. To address this gap, we developed a workshop entitled "ONC-Cal...
Structured opportunities for interprofessional education remain limited in radiation oncology training programs, particularly related to emergency scenarios. To address this gap, we developed a workshop entitled "ONC-Call: A Team-Based Response to Spinal Cord Compression" at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The three-hour workshop took place on July 18, 2025, and involved 53 participants, including 10 radiation oncology residents, 7 medical physics residents, 21 radiation therapy students, and 15 medical dosimetry students. Participants rotated through five interactive stations—patient evaluation, patient simulation, treatment planning, physics quality assurance, and treatment delivery—each led by an instructor from the corresponding discipline. The patient simulation and treatment delivery stations took place at a CT simulator and treatment machine, respectively, which were engaged with mannequins to facilitate hands-on education. Participants completed Likert-scale questionnaires before and after the workshop, including an Interprofessional Attitudes Scale (IPAS) for all participants and a clinical confidence survey for the radiation oncology residents. Response rates were 79% and 75% for the pre- and post-workshop IPAS questionnaires, respectively, and 100% and 80% for the pre- and post-workshop radiation oncology resident-specific surveys, respectively. The baseline IPAS questionnaire responses reflected strongly favorable attitudes across all healthcare domains without any significant differences between pre- and post-workshop responses. However, radiation oncology residents demonstrated significant improvements in 13 out of 14 clinical confidence items following the workshop. This reproducible session may be adapted by other institutions to enhance interprofessional preparedness in radiation oncology emergencies.
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 E, Murphy I, Vormoor JH, Rizvi K, Peccatori F, Ferrari A
J Cancer Educ · 2026 Jun · PMID 42050110 · Publisher ↗
Adolescents and young adults with cancer represent a distinct and historically underserved population, whose clinical and psychosocial needs are not adequately addressed by traditional pediatric or adult oncology trainin...
Adolescents and young adults with cancer represent a distinct and historically underserved population, whose clinical and psychosocial needs are not adequately addressed by traditional pediatric or adult oncology training pathways. While awareness of AYA-specific challenges has increased over the last two decades, substantial gaps in professional education and training persist across Europe. The Joint Action Networks of Expertise (JANE) has recently enabled the creation of a formal European Network of Expertise (NoE) dedicated to AYAs with cancer, offering a unique opportunity to address these gaps in a coordinated and sustainable manner. In this paper, we describe the educational needs in AYA oncology, summarize existing recommendations on AYA-specific training, and present the vision and planned actions of the JANE NoE on AYAs with cancer to develop structured, multidisciplinary, trans-age educational programmes across Europe.
Oncology Education Reform in China: Aligning Clinical Training with the New Medical Science Mandate.
Hui Y, Cui H, Zhang Z … +1 more , Yan B
J Cancer Educ · 2026 Apr · PMID 42047983 · Publisher ↗
Oncology education is experiencing a critical mismatch between traditional training models and the competencies required for modern cancer care. Within China’s New Medical Science initiative, efforts are underway to refo...
Oncology education is experiencing a critical mismatch between traditional training models and the competencies required for modern cancer care. Within China’s New Medical Science initiative, efforts are underway to reform the clinical talent pipeline. This article examines the structural limitations of undergraduate oncology exposure, the tension between subspecialization and time-based postgraduate rotations, and the lack of systematic integration of genomics and artificial intelligence literacy. Three reform directions are proposed: transitioning from apprenticeship-based observation to competency-based assessment using frameworks such as Entrustable Professional Activities, embedding precision oncology competencies into formal curricula, and implementing longitudinal communication skills training anchored in protocols like SPIKES. Because oncology is characterized by rapid knowledge expansion and intense interdisciplinary collaboration, it serves as an ideal proving ground for broader clinical education reform. The path forward requires a deliberate shift from knowledge transmission to competence cultivation and from isolated practice to team-based, humanistic care.
Large Language Models for Patient Education: Insights from Cross-Lingual Expert Evaluation in Radioligand Therapy for Neuroendocrine Tumors.
Habouzit V, Durand A, Al Mansour L … +7 more , Lachachi B, Chaib S, Halilali M, Janier M, Walter T, Grenier T, Flaus A
J Cancer Educ · 2026 Apr · PMID 42047982 · Publisher ↗
Patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) often face substantial informational gaps and rely on the Internet for medical information despite variable quality and frequent misinformation. These challenges are particularl...
Patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) often face substantial informational gaps and rely on the Internet for medical information despite variable quality and frequent misinformation. These challenges are particularly critical in complex care pathways such as radioligand therapy (RLT), where radiation safety constraints may increase anxiety and impact adherence. Large language models (LLMs) have emerged as promising tools for patient education, offering accessible and empathetic explanations tailored to patients’ level of understanding. However, their performance in specialized settings and across languages remains insufficiently evaluated. In a proof-of-concept study, five commercially available LLMs were evaluated by seven medical experts on 14 common patient questions about RLT for NETs in English and French, across three domains: accuracy, conciseness, and readability. LLMs demonstrated good performance, although significant differences were observed across models and languages. Performance was generally higher in English, highlighting cross-lingual disparities that may affect equitable access to reliable health information. While critical errors were uncommon, some responses illustrated how oversimplified information lacking clinical nuance may be misleading in institution-dependent contexts, particularly regarding hospitalization requirements. Readability analysis using the Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level indicated that responses often exceeded recommended levels for patient education. These findings suggest that LLMs could support patient education in specialized oncology settings but require careful integration into clinically supervised workflows, with potential advantages of domain-specific over general-purpose models. Improving readability, reducing cross-lingual disparities, and ensuring alignment with clinical practice will be essential to ensure safe, reliable, and equitable use of LLMs in patient education.
Bringing the Teaching Close to Home: Implementation of a Near-Peer Model for Introductory Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Lecture Series.
Berry JL, O'Loughlin L, Iacoviello A … +7 more , Barnum K, Lam BD, Chase M, Drews RE, Freed JA, Patell R, Rangachari D
J Cancer Educ · 2026 Apr · PMID 42033561 · Publisher ↗
New hematology/oncology fellows must rapidly master a wide breadth of clinical information to care for patients with varied diseases. Fellowship programs have wrestled with the most effective way to structure introductor...
New hematology/oncology fellows must rapidly master a wide breadth of clinical information to care for patients with varied diseases. Fellowship programs have wrestled with the most effective way to structure introductory didactics to optimally deliver relevant and appropriate information. We redesigned our 3-month introductory lecture series using a near-peer teaching model. Senior fellows were assigned to lecture on topics from our syllabus that align with their interests and paired with faculty who served as content experts. We hypothesized this approach would result in more fellows rating lectures as targeted to the right educational level; secondarily, this would foster senior fellows’ skills as educators. We present data from the first three years of curriculum implementation. Overall, the redesign was feasible with a several-month preparatory period. Most (71%) fellows felt the series provided information at the appropriate level; 100% of fellows and 83% of faculty felt this approach should continue. Areas for improvement include: planning for faculty-fellow collaboration for content development, coaching on educational design during the preparatory phase, and providing sufficient time for lecture development. The near-peer model has been continued in our program, with plans for iterative improvement.
EQual Rubric Evaluation of the Radiation Oncology Education Collaborative Study Group Entrustable Professional Activities.
Wagner B, Braunstein S, Brisson R … +13 more , De Leo A, Garda A, Gunther J, Henson C, Hirsch AE, Holmes J, Katz L, Mattes M, Schuster JM, Price J, Shiue K, Thomas H, Golden DW
J Cancer Educ · 2026 Apr · PMID 42032436 · Publisher ↗
Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) have emerged as tools that translate competency-based education into clinical practice by defining discrete, assessable tasks that residents perform independently. In 2023, the...
Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) have emerged as tools that translate competency-based education into clinical practice by defining discrete, assessable tasks that residents perform independently. In 2023, the Radiation Oncology Education Collaborative Study Group (ROECSG) developed 52 EPAs to establish a competency-based framework for United States radiation oncology residency training. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of ROECSG EPAs as discrete units of work, entrustable and essential tasks of the profession, and education-focused tools using the EQual metric. An electronic survey was distributed to subject-matter experts, including attending radiation oncologists at academic medical centers (teaching faculty) and senior residents. Participants were able to recommend revision and provide specific recommendations for modification. EPAs averaging below 4.07, a previously established threshold, were identified for revision. Results are reported as EPA mean ± standard deviation. 14/17 (82.4%) participants completed the survey including 13 radiation oncology teaching faculty and one senior resident. 4/13 (30.8%) were program directors and 5/13 (38.5%) were associate program directors. The mean rating for all EPAs was 4.39 ± 0.30. 7/52 (13.5%) EPAs scored below the cutoff of 4.07 including EPA2 (3.65 ± 0.53), 7 (3.97 ± 0.73), 18 (3.77 ± 0.68), 19 (3.56 ± 0.77), 34 (4.06 ± 0.70), 43 (3.81 ± 0.74), and 47 (3.76 ± 0.76). 12/52 EPAs scored within one standard deviation of the cutoff. Overall, 45 of the proposed EPAs were rated as high quality, and seven EPAs were recommended for revision. Further refinement and systematic implementation of these revisions are necessary.
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