Pozuelo-Sánchez GJ, de Troya-Martín M, Rivas Ruiz F
… +3 more, Rodriguez-Martinez A, Subert A, Alvarez de Sotomayor M
J Cancer Educ
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41893926
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This study examined the impact of a structured educational intervention on professional competencies in individualized photoprotection counselling and on personal sun-safe behaviors. A quasi-experimental pre–post study w...This study examined the impact of a structured educational intervention on professional competencies in individualized photoprotection counselling and on personal sun-safe behaviors. A quasi-experimental pre–post study was conducted among community pharmacists in Seville, Spain, in 2024. The intervention consisted of a blended educational program comprising an online training course delivered by a multidisciplinary faculty and a one-day practical session. Professional counselling practices were assessed using the Counselling Habits in Individualized Photoprotection questionnaire, while personal habits, attitudes, and knowledge related to photoprotection were evaluated using the Habits, Attitudes, and Knowledge in Photoprotection questionnaire. Data were collected at baseline and after completion of the intervention, and analyses included descriptive and comparative pre–post statistics, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. A total of 116 pharmacists completed the baseline professional assessment and 80 the post-intervention, while 125 and 85 pharmacists completed the personal behavior questionnaire, respectively. Professional competencies improved significantly, including identification of skin cancer risk factors (45.2% to 72.2%), promotion of skin self-examination (31.6% to 65.8%), and adaptation of counselling to occupational sun exposure (p < 0.001). Knowledge scores increased from 6.03 to 7.07 (p < 0.001). Personal sun-safe behaviors also improved, including sunscreen use, regular reapplication, and reduced sunburn frequency. Knowledge of early skin cancer detection criteria increased markedly (ABCDE rule: 61.5% to 100%; ugly duckling sign: 27.9% to 98.8%; p < 0.001). The FarmaSoludable educational program improved professional competencies and personal preventive behaviors, supporting pharmacists’ roles as behavioral role models and educators for community knowledge transfer.
J Cancer Educ
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41882482
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Cancer fatalism is a significant barrier to cancer prevention and treatment, especially among those with a family history of cancer. While eHealth information can influence cancer fatalism beliefs, the mechanisms behind...Cancer fatalism is a significant barrier to cancer prevention and treatment, especially among those with a family history of cancer. While eHealth information can influence cancer fatalism beliefs, the mechanisms behind this effect require further exploration. This study, using SOR theory, investigates whether eHealth information use can reduce cancer fatalism in individuals with a family history of cancer and elucidates the mechanisms involved. Data from the sixth National Trends in Health Information Survey (HINTS6) focused on participants with a family history of cancer (N = 3131). A serial-mediation model examined how eHealth information use affects cancer fatalism through mediators of cancer worry, frequency of doctor visits, and trust in cancer information from doctors. eHealth information use was negatively correlated with cancer fatalism. Additionally, cancer worry, frequency of doctor visits, and trust in cancer information from doctors were positively correlated with eHealth information use. Trust in cancer information from doctors was negatively correlated with cancer fatalism. These findings suggest that eHealth information, combined with interventions and offline communication with physicians, can effectively reduce cancer fatalism among individuals with a family history of cancer. Public health departments should leverage eHealth platforms to communicate accurate cancer information and foster trust in authoritative health sources like doctors, encouraging positive health behaviors and reducing cancer fatalism.
Rossi R, Matwij D, Gabusi A
… +3 more, Stampone F, Servidio D, Gissi DB
J Cancer Educ
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41876822
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Oral cancer can be suspected on visual examinations, but inadequate practitioner awareness contributes to diagnostic delays. The aim of the present study was to assess the ability of dental students and practitioners wit...Oral cancer can be suspected on visual examinations, but inadequate practitioner awareness contributes to diagnostic delays. The aim of the present study was to assess the ability of dental students and practitioners with different levels of experience to correctly recognize oral carcinoma using clinical pictures representative of all oral mucosa sites and clinical appearance. 25 dental students, who had recently attended the undergraduate Oral Medicine module of the Dental School University of Bologna (DS), 30 junior dental practitioners (JDPs), and 44 senior dental practitioners (SDPs) were asked to evaluate pictures of lesions of oral cavity using an anonymous online questionnaire. Forty randomly ordered clinical pictures were selected, of which 20 were representative of oral cancers at different stages and the other 20 pictures were representative of benign lesions. To evaluate the suspicion of oral cancer, the participants had to choose one of the following options for each picture: yes; positive uncertainty; negative uncertainty; no. The DS showed a higher main score (32.2±2.9) and lower uncertainty (32%) than both JDP (27.9±2.9; 43.75%) and SDP (28.7±3.5; 48.5%). One-way ANOVA revealed a significant between-group difference (F = 14.34; p<.001). Our findings underscore the role of structured academic training in oral medicine in enhancing early OSCC detection and revealed the need for continuing education to improve the rates of early detection of oral cancer. Limited diagnostic accuracy among dental practitioners highlights the need for solid education and continuous training to improve oral cancer early detection.
J Cancer Educ
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41874923
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In an urban Ghanaian context, this qualitative study explored parents’ sociocultural beliefs and interpretation of childhood cancers.Face-to-face interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of parents with children...In an urban Ghanaian context, this qualitative study explored parents’ sociocultural beliefs and interpretation of childhood cancers.Face-to-face interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of parents with children diagnosed with cancer (n = 25). A thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.The study revealed that sociocultural beliefs significantly influence how parents understand, interpret and respond to childhood cancer. Many parents associate the illness with a supernatural cause, such as witchcraft and evil forces, retribution and curses. In addition to that, some parents viewed the illness as a test of faith, a culturally mediated dietary practice, or lineage-related conditions, as well as social interpretations linked to family conflicts. The study found that family elders and extended kin also played a significant role in shaping decisions about where and when care can be sought. These misconceptions influenced parents to simultaneously seek traditional or faith-based healing during treatment, along with the biomedical treatment. Sociocultural beliefs shape the interpretations of cancers, particularly childhood cancers, in Ghanaian societies. These are sometimes misconceptions that arise because the cause of cancer as most biomedical professionals are not able to provide adequate explanations. These beliefs and interpretations inform care pathways, leading to late symptom presentation and a subsequent increase in mortality. The study highlights the need for the government and the Ghana Health Service to collaborate in addressing sociocultural myths, misconceptions and beliefs associated with childhood cancer through culturally sensitive cancer education programs for the public.
Thomae AV, Brüllmann S, Zhang L
… +12 more, Müller T, Huber C, Laub N, Canella C, Barth J, Gabban M, Hellberg-Naegele M, Manjaly ZM, Schnorf HM, Siebenhüner A, Weis J, Witt CM
J Cancer Educ
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41872403
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Cancer-related fatigue and sleep problems are common and burdensome symptoms affecting many cancer patients. Mind Body Medicine techniques, such as acupressure and mindfulness-based techniques, have been shown to be effe...Cancer-related fatigue and sleep problems are common and burdensome symptoms affecting many cancer patients. Mind Body Medicine techniques, such as acupressure and mindfulness-based techniques, have been shown to be effective in alleviating these symptoms. However, opportunities for patients to learn and apply these self care techniques are limited. This study aimed to develop two digital training programs to enable cancer patients to self-administer either acupressure or mindfulness-based techniques for managing cancer-related fatigue and sleep problems. A user-centered development process, guided by an implementation science framework, was applied to ensure the trainings’ relevance, feasibility, and integration into routine oncology care. The digital trainings were iteratively developed and tested with stakeholders, including cancer patients, healthcare professionals, and Mind Body Medicine experts. The final trainings were evaluated for usability, content relevance, and applicability. Evaluation results demonstrated high satisfaction with the training content and clarity, as well as confidence in self-administering the self-care techniques. This study highlights the potential of digital interventions in supporting symptom self-management for cancer patients and demonstrates how a training program developed step by step in collaboration with stakeholders could be integrated into routine clinical care.
Kalra S, Wang Y, Kalra D
… +5 more, Shah A, Mahmood A, Altammami A, Alzahrani AH, Bhuyan SS
J Cancer Educ
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41870769
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BACKGROUND: Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the U.S., with significant financial implications for patients, especially those with limited access to resources. Particularly, the rising costs of can...BACKGROUND: Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the U.S., with significant financial implications for patients, especially those with limited access to resources. Particularly, the rising costs of cancer treatment have placed considerable strain on cancer survivors. This study evaluates the impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on healthcare costs for cancer survivors. METHODS: Using data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (2010–2019), we analyzed data for 9,041 U.S. adult cancer survivors aged 18–64. ACA implementation (post- vs. pre-ACA period) was the primary exposure. We examined changes in out-of-pocket (OOP) healthcare spending and its proportion to total healthcare spending and family income of cancer survivors. RESULTS: Our findings indicate that post-ACA, mean OOP spending decreased significantly across various income groups: by 48.3% (95% CI, − 77.0 to − 19.6; P < .05) for the lowest-income, 51.5% (95% CI, − 82.6 to − 20.3; P < .05) for the low-income, and 17.2% (95% CI, − 32.8 to − 1.6; P < .05) for higher-income groups. On average, OOP spending decreased by 25.3% (95% CI, − 37.9 to − 12.6; P < .05) post-ACA. CONCLUSION: Post-ACA periods were associated with significant reductions in out-of-pocket spending among cancer survivors; however, out-of-pocket burden relative to income did not improve, indicating persistent financial vulnerability. These findings suggest that coverage expansion alone may be insufficient to ensure financial protection and underscore the importance of integrating survivorship-focused financial education, including insurance literacy, cost-sharing expectations, and structured cost-of-care communication into survivorship care planning and patient-facing educational resources.
Aguilera-Jandres D, Rosenberg D, Angell K
… +1 more, Pratt-Chapman ML
J Cancer Educ
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41865219
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Patient navigation is an evidence-based intervention to improve access to cancer screenings, time to diagnostic resolution, adherence to treatment and improved survivorship. Given the diversity of lived experiences and e...Patient navigation is an evidence-based intervention to improve access to cancer screenings, time to diagnostic resolution, adherence to treatment and improved survivorship. Given the diversity of lived experiences and educational backgrounds of navigators, standardized foundational training that aligns with standards of practice and reimbursement requirements is critical. To address this need, in 2015 the George Washington University (GW) Cancer Center launched the Oncology Patient Navigator Training: The Fundamentals (Patient Navigator Training), an accessible, no cost, evidence-based training for patient navigators. To understand its reach and impact after 10 years, the GW Cancer Center Technical Assistance and Training team analyzed data using paired t-tests in SPSS v29.02.02. Across all lessons, statistically significant improvements in learner confidence for all learning objectives were reported. In sum, the freely available Patient Navigator Training developed by the GW Cancer Center provides a strong foundation to prepare oncology patient navigators for practice. It may also be adapted to train navigators in other disease areas or geographies.
J Cancer Educ
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41865218
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OBJECTIVES: As future practitioners, health profession students play a vital role in vaccination efforts. We sought to assess the impact of a longitudinal community-based program on health professional students' knowledg...OBJECTIVES: As future practitioners, health profession students play a vital role in vaccination efforts. We sought to assess the impact of a longitudinal community-based program on health professional students' knowledge and self-confidence to provide accurate, evidence-based resources to patients and address vaccination hesitancy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: In 2023, 181 interprofessional health profession students participated in an asynchronous didactic curriculum designed to educate health profession students in their last two years of clinical training on how to provide vaccine education and address vaccine hesitancy. RESULTS: The data analysis revealed a statistically significant positive change between the pre-test and post-test phases regarding students' self-reported understanding of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and addressing vaccine hesitancy. The qualitative feedback from participants expressed an appreciation for the didactic content and provided feedback that identified the videos embedded into the curriculum as engaging. CONCLUSION: The results of this project demonstrated that targeted education on vaccine-related issues, and vaccine hesitancy can effectively increase health profession students' knowledge and willingness to engage in public health efforts. The findings suggest a need for future curricular efforts to address complex health issues such as like parent-provider communication around vaccines and addressing vaccine hesitancy beyond HPV.
Williams KP, Todem D, Roman LA
… +2 more, Meghea CI, Ford S
J Cancer Educ
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41860672
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Despite highly effective prevention strategies, breast and cervical cancer are among the leading causes of cancer morbidity and mortality in medically underserved and racial/ethnic women. This study tested the effect of...Despite highly effective prevention strategies, breast and cervical cancer are among the leading causes of cancer morbidity and mortality in medically underserved and racial/ethnic women. This study tested the effect of the Kin KeeperSM (KK) intervention, a family-focused, educational intervention, on improvement of breast and cervical cancer health literacy and screening behavior among African American, Latina, and Arab women. The study used a longitudinal RCT design with data collection at baseline and every six months for 36 months. Female community health workers (CHWs) trained to administer the KK intervention recruited 516 women who were randomized to the KK intervention or control group (standard of care). The study included three types of participants: CHWs, CHW’s clients, and client female family members (2–4). The intervention group received the KK family-focused, curriculum-driven, educational intervention, which focused on breast health and wellness and cervical cancer prevention. The primary outcome was participation in breast and cervical cancer screenings. The secondary outcome was cancer health literacy. The KK intervention improved breast and cervical health literacy compared to the control group (p-value = 0.0007; p-value < 0.0001, respectively). The KK intervention did not significantly improve the odds of receiving a mammogram, clinical breast exam, or PAP screening when compared to the control. Both groups showed higher odds of receiving a clinical breast exam, mammogram, and PAP exam at various time points when compared to baseline. Results from this longitudinal analysis indicate that race, ethnicity, and language concordant CHWs in the homes of women of color can effectively engage other family members in preventive health education interventions and address health disparities. Yet, knowledge alone is insufficient to improve screening rates. The study supports the need for more intensive educational efforts to reduce barriers to access to cancer screening.Trial Registration: NCT01910350.
Dunões I, Infante P, Trinca F
… +4 more, Oliveira A, Baió M, Bastos I, Dinis R
J Cancer Educ
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41830985
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Cancer patients frequently report unmet informational needs at the start of systemic therapy, a period marked by uncertainty and high cognitive and emotional burden. This study examined patients’ perceptions of informati...Cancer patients frequently report unmet informational needs at the start of systemic therapy, a period marked by uncertainty and high cognitive and emotional burden. This study examined patients’ perceptions of information received using the EORTC QLQ-INFO25, explored sociodemographic and clinical predictors, quantified the desire for additional information and identified latent profiles of informational experience. In a cross-sectional sample of 114 adults initiating intravenous treatment, mean information scores (0–100 scale) were highest for medical tests (68.7) and disease (63.2), intermediate for treatments (59.3), and lowest for services/support (43.3). Single-item scores were lowest for psychological support (46.2) and different places of care (47.1), whereas usefulness of the information was comparatively high (71.8). Overall, 47% of participants reported wishing to receive more information. In multivariable analysis, time since diagnosis (per 30-day increment) was the only statistically significant predictor of this outcome (p < 0.05), with earlier assessment associated with greater informational demand. Other predictors showed small and non-significant effects, suggesting subtle variation across patient groups. Clustering analysis identified three informational profiles (high 13.2%, intermediate 71.1%, low 15.8%). The low-information group comprised older, clinically more fragile and more geographically peripheral patients, and two-thirds (66.7%) of this group expressed unmet informational needs. These results highlight persistent deficits in practical and supportive information at the start of treatment and emphasize the value of personalizing education according to distinct patient profiles. Enhancing early informational support is essential, and multidisciplinary teams play a vital role in offering comprehensive, clear, and accessible guidance that genuinely supports patients and their families throughout the cancer care pathway.
J Cancer Educ
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41826694
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Anal cancer incidence and mortality are increasing in the United States, with highest risk among men who have sex with men (MSM) and people living with HIV. Targeted anal cancer screening is recommended for these populat...Anal cancer incidence and mortality are increasing in the United States, with highest risk among men who have sex with men (MSM) and people living with HIV. Targeted anal cancer screening is recommended for these populations. Low awareness, stigma, and limited provider engagement are barriers to implementation of anal cancer screening guidelines. Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbots may offer scalable, stigma-sensitive education and follow-up support, but their acceptability for anal cancer prevention is unknown. To assess attitudes toward an AI-powered anal cancer prevention chatbot among high-risk adults undergoing onsite screening, and identify demographic, behavioral, and clinical correlates of favorable attitudes. A cross-sectional survey was conducted during a Midwestern LGBT pride festival (June 2025). Eligible participants were ≥ 35 years, male at birth, with a history of anal intercourse, and no prior anal cancer diagnosis. Attitudes toward a prevention chatbot were measured using six Likert-type items (comfort, helpfulness/accuracy, willingness to use for risk assessment and results delivery; 1–5 scale). A composite index (Cronbach’s α = 0.97) was dichotomized (> 3 = favorable). Logistic regression estimated associations between covariates and favorable attitudes. Results. The sample (N = 107) was predominantly cisgender men (95.3%), gay-identified (89.5%), and White (84.1%), with mean age 49 years. The chatbot beliefs and attitudes index mean was 3.17 (SD = 1.26; range 1–5); 48.1% reported favorable attitudes. No demographic, behavioral, or clinical variables were significant predictors. Adjusted predicted probabilities were similar by age (35–44: 53%; ≥45: 49%) and higher among HIV-positive (67%) versus HIV-negative (49%) participants. Attitudes toward an AI-powered chatbot for anal cancer prevention were largely positive. Chatbot-based education may complement community-based screening by addressing persistent informational and motivational barriers.
Beddok A, Cohen E, Raymond G
… +3 more, Rabenjason S, Donnarieix D, Delporte L
J Cancer Educ
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41806152
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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Artificial intelligence–based automatic contouring is increasingly integrated into radiation oncology workflows, yet structured education for clinical end users remains limited. This study aimed...BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Artificial intelligence–based automatic contouring is increasingly integrated into radiation oncology workflows, yet structured education for clinical end users remains limited. This study aimed to describe and evaluate the educational impact of a national training webinar focused on AI-based automatic contouring. METHODS: A prospective educational study was conducted during a live national training webinar delivered online. The intervention covered fundamental principles of supervised learning and convolutional neural networks, objectives of medical image segmentation, interpretation of segmentation performance metrics, and key aspects of clinical implementation requiring human validation. Educational outcomes were assessed using a five-item multiple-choice questionnaire administered before and after the webinar. Paired pre- and post-training scores were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: Among the 33 healthcare professionals who attended the webinar, 28 participants (85%) completed both the pre- and post-training assessments and were included in the analysis. Participants represented a multidisciplinary radiation oncology workforce, including radiation oncologists, residents or trainees, medical physicists, dosimetrists, and radiation therapists. The median questionnaire score increased from 3.5 (IQR: 2–4) before training to 5.0 (IQR: 4–5) after training, corresponding to a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This national training webinar significantly improved short-term conceptual knowledge related to AI-based automatic contouring among radiation oncology professionals. These findings support the need for scalable, clinically oriented educational initiatives to accompany the safe, critical, and informed integration of AI tools into routine radiation therapy practice.
Wheldon CW, Alkhatib SA, Grace J
… +6 more, Akpan IN, Daley EM, Zimet GD, Luningham J, Engler J, Thompson EL
J Cancer Educ
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41796257
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In 2019, the U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended shared clinical decision-making (SCDM) for HPV vaccination among unvaccinated adults aged 27–45 years (i.e., mid-adult). However, the implementat...In 2019, the U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended shared clinical decision-making (SCDM) for HPV vaccination among unvaccinated adults aged 27–45 years (i.e., mid-adult). However, the implementation of this recommendation is challenging. This study assessed a decision tool, HPV Decide, designed to facilitate SCDM for mid-adult HPV vaccination. We used exploratory sequential mixed methods to gather stakeholder and provider perspectives on a beta version of HPV Decide. Qualitative feedback from providers and stakeholders (N = 24) was collected through semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data from health care providers (N = 600) on usability in clinical practice was collected via online surveys. Interviewees provided feedback on the preferred delivery method and timing, the need for support and training, and key barriers and facilitators to SCDM. Quantitative data showed that 68.3% of providers were likely to use the tool, 67% believed it could be easily integrated into practice, and 54% thought patients would be interested in using it. Findings suggest that a web-based decision tool to facilitate SCDM for mid-adult HPV vaccination is both acceptable and feasible for integration into clinical practice. Providers expressed strong preferences for clinic-based access and electronic delivery. Clinicians supported the integration of a web-based decision tools into clinical practice to enhance shared decision-making.
Armstrong VL, Grabeel KL, Nikbakht A
… +4 more, Murdock P, Lew JI, Heidel RE, Vaghaiwalla TM
J Cancer Educ
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41781802
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Patient education is essential for effective medical care. Although over half of patients search for health information online, most educational materials exceed the recommended sixth-grade reading level. Parathyroid dis...Patient education is essential for effective medical care. Although over half of patients search for health information online, most educational materials exceed the recommended sixth-grade reading level. Parathyroid disease is common yet often underdiagnosed. This study evaluates the readability of online patient resources for parathyroid disorders. A review of 100 online educational materials related to parathyroid disorders was performed. Using three validated instruments: Flesch Reading Ease, Simplified Measure of Gobbledygook, and Gunning Fog Index scores, reading grade level was calculated and Spearman correlations performed to evaluate associations between instruments. 59 sources were included. Majority of materials were from academic/research (36%), followed by general information/overviews (20%), government/institutional (14%), cancer-specific organizations (12%), professional societies (12%) and children’s health (5%). No patient materials were written at the appropriate grade level. Materials were > 12th grade reading level in 59% of sources (FRE = 71%, SMOG = 34%, GFI = 71%). There were strong, positive correlations between the three reading instruments. Readable educational materials facilitate effective healthcare literacy and empower patients to participate in shared decision-making, which is especially important given the complex diagnostic and therapeutic considerations for parathyroid disorders. This study demonstrates a significant ongoing disparity. Future efforts should focus on developing patient materials at the recommended reading level.
J Cancer Educ
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41781801
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Exposure to radiation oncology is limited for students at medical schools without affiliated radiotherapy centers. To address this barrier, a university-based radiation oncology division delivered a one-day radiation onc...Exposure to radiation oncology is limited for students at medical schools without affiliated radiotherapy centers. To address this barrier, a university-based radiation oncology division delivered a one-day radiation oncology course to medical students from medical schools without radiotherapy facilities. The course included lectures that covered the basic principles of radiotherapy, followed by a department visit to observe external beam radiation therapy and brachytherapy workflows. A self-evaluated questionnaire was distributed upon completion of the course to evaluate the course format and students' understanding of radiotherapy. During the academic year 2024, thirty-one students from two medical schools participated in the course. The course was well received by the participants. Self-evaluation indicated that most students had limited knowledge and understanding of radiation oncology prior to the course, but this improved following participation. Therefore, a one-day radiation oncology course is a feasible and effective approach to providing accessible radiation oncology education for medical students at institutions lacking radiotherapy facilities.
Sursock S, Hilton Z, Jenkins M
… +7 more, Wilson C, Baxter NN, Ait Ouakrim D, Aitken Z, Broun K, Robb K, McIntosh JG
J Cancer Educ
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41779093
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People with physical and/or sensory disability have lower uptake of breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening than those without disability. This systematic review aims to identify evidence-based interventions de...People with physical and/or sensory disability have lower uptake of breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening than those without disability. This systematic review aims to identify evidence-based interventions designed to positively influence cancer screening participation for people with physical and/or sensory disability. Databases were searched for peer-reviewed studies reporting interventions targeting breast, cervical, and/or colorectal cancer screening for people with physical and/or sensory disability. A qualitative review of the results formed a narrative synthesis. Fifteen studies published between 1995–2022 from the USA, Turkey and Saudi Arabia were included in the review, involving people who were d/Deaf (n = 10), people with physical disability (n = 4), and people with cognitive, hearing, vision or physical disability (n = 1). The interventions included cancer and cancer screening education (n = 13) and environmental interventions that modified healthcare facilities (n = 2). Most educational interventions increased cancer screening knowledge but only some increased screening participation. The environmental interventions showed promising but non-significant effects on screening participation. Despite critical gaps in the literature, this review provides a foundation to develop interventions needed to improve cancer screening participation among people with physical and/or sensory disability.
J Cancer Educ
· 2026 Feb · PMID 41762419
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Cancer remains a significant public health challenge that requires a multidisciplinary workforce equipped with strong cancer research skills and clinical insight. Over the past decade, the University of Louisville's Canc...Cancer remains a significant public health challenge that requires a multidisciplinary workforce equipped with strong cancer research skills and clinical insight. Over the past decade, the University of Louisville's Cancer Education Program was developed to enhance career trajectories in oncology through a mentored cancer research experience for both professional and college students.In a structured 10-week program, trainees participated in hypothesis-driven cancer research, received multilevel mentoring, and engaged in career-enhancement activities. We evaluated de-identified participant feedback on interest in cancer research, mentoring, career-enhancement activities, cancer survivors' testimonials, and research self-efficacy. Qualitative assessments were rated on scales of quality (excellent to unsatisfactory) and change (very large to no change). To assess interest in cancer research before and after the program, we used the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Comparisons of various program components were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U or Kruskal-Wallis test. We summarized emerging themes from open-ended survey questions.Participants demonstrated a significant increase in their interest in cancer research (P < 0.0001) following the program, and multilevel mentoring contributed to improvements in research self-efficacy. Compared with a seminar, participants preferred cancer survivors' testimonials (P < 0.0001), as these humanized cancer research and motivated them to pursue careers in cancer research and clinical oncology. Lastly, structured workshops and peer-to-peer interactive learning increased participants' confidence in communicating science to mixed audiences.Our program results underscore the importance of investing in initiatives to develop a robust and capable cancer research workforce that addresses evolving challenges in cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
Jiménez-Rivero M, Poche A, Haushalter K
… +7 more, Hudson EA, Larson D, Nikah K, Garcia MB, Roth M, Davis JN, Chandra J
J Cancer Educ
· 2026 Feb · PMID 41762418
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Interventions that teach families to garden and cook may improve fruit and vegetable (FV) intake in children. However, this intervention approach has not been evaluated in childhood cancer survivors (CCS), who frequently...Interventions that teach families to garden and cook may improve fruit and vegetable (FV) intake in children. However, this intervention approach has not been evaluated in childhood cancer survivors (CCS), who frequently have low FV intake. We developed and deployed a remotely delivered, gardening, nutrition, and cooking pilot “Cook-Grow!” for CCS and their families. The program consisted of five weekly educational lessons and activities for CCS and family members to complete. We delivered a gardening kit and groceries to participants’ homes that included a recipe in each lesson. Families completed weekly surveys and participated in semi-structured interviews that assessed the usage and acceptability of the program at the end of the pilot. Nine CCS 7–17 years old with prior diagnoses of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (n = 6), acute myeloid leukemia (n = 1), and Hodgkins lymphoma (n = 2) and their family members completed the study. Almost all (93%) of the families strongly agreed that they would make the recipe at home and that the cooking lesson would help them cook healthier meals at home. Most (71%) preferred virtual/remote administration. The interview responses (n = 6) highlighted participants’ reasons for participating as well as their perceptions of the program’s acceptability, including the belief that it was important for their child to eat healthily, particularly after cancer treatment. Overall, families thought the lessons were engaging and promoted family cooking. These preliminary results show that a remotely delivered cooking and nutrition program can be engaging and be further optimized for CCS and their families.