McGill C, Thomson MD, Kuno C
… +7 more, Taylor E, Lawrence K, Patev AJ, Sutton AL, Nyagaka R, Palesh O, Keen LD
J Cancer Educ
· 2026 Jan · PMID 41533319
·
Publisher ↗
In the United States, Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and the third leading cause of death among non-Hispanic African American/Black (henceforth Black) men. Inadequate CRC knowledge...In the United States, Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and the third leading cause of death among non-Hispanic African American/Black (henceforth Black) men. Inadequate CRC knowledge leads to missing early warning signs, delaying prevention and increasing risk. Emerging adulthood (18-25) is a key period for building healthy behaviors and addressing barriers to CRC knowledge in addition to understanding attitudes and practices to CRC screening. Psychosocial barriers - including social support, medical mistrust, and perceived racial discrimination - contribute to the lack of CRC knowledge among older Black men, yet emerging adult Black men remain understudied. The present study examined psychosocial barriers to CRC knowledge among emerging adult Black men. Additionally, although not screening eligible, a secondary aim was to examine how these psychosocial barriers play a role CRC attitudes and preventive practices. One hundred sixty-eight men (M = 20.4, SD = 1.73) were recruited in Petersburg, Virginia. Participants completed a survey assessing social support, medical mistrust, and perceived racial discrimination, CRC knowledge, and CRC practice items. Data was analyzed using SPSS v.29. A hierarchical regression, controlling for age, public assistance status, and masculinity, examined social support, medical mistrust, and perceived racial discrimination. Contrary to hypothesis, higher medical mistrust predicted greater CRC knowledge, p = 0.003, while increased social support also predicted greater CRC knowledge, p < .001. Perceived racial discrimination did not significantly predict CRC knowledge. Logistic regressions showed that higher masculinity health problem minimization and perceived racial discrimination predicted significantly lower odds of considering early CRC screening. No variables significantly predicted early detection. Findings provide critical understanding of barriers and facilitators of CRC knowledge among emerging adult Black men. Addressing barriers during emerging adulthood may encourage healthier behaviors and foster motivation to seek CRC knowledge, ultimately supporting prevention in this high-risk population. Results are critical for informing culturally age-tailored prevention strategies.
Chriswell A, Skiba MB, Badger TA
… +2 more, Recio-Boiles A, Fox RS
J Cancer Educ
· 2026 Jan · PMID 41524846
·
Publisher ↗
Dietary quality, physical activity, and sleep hygiene are interrelated behaviors that have been associated with health outcomes among cancer survivors and caregivers. The purpose of this study was to develop health promo...Dietary quality, physical activity, and sleep hygiene are interrelated behaviors that have been associated with health outcomes among cancer survivors and caregivers. The purpose of this study was to develop health promotion short message service (SMS) content related to these three behaviors using generative artificial intelligence (AI) as part of a health promotion intervention development process. Generative AI was first used to develop English-language SMS drafts for each of the three health behaviors using ChatGPT 3.5 (OpenAI, 2023). SMS drafts were then refined by humans to produce usable messages and approved by content experts. Each SMS was translated to Spanish by a native bilingual/bicultural speaker, with assistance from an AI translator (IXL Learning, 2023). This work demonstrated that AI can be an effective tool for generating new health education SMS content; however, expert human review and revision are critical for ensuring both the accuracy of content and appropriateness of language. Lessons learned and recommendations for incorporating GenAI into future SMS intervention development are discussed.
Besserer A, Adams A, Eckert L
… +2 more, Mutiara S, Trommer M
J Cancer Educ
· 2026 Jan · PMID 41524845
·
Publisher ↗
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted cancer education across specialties. Radiation oncology, with its highly technical nature and multidisciplinary approach, faced unique challenges in maintaining training quali...The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted cancer education across specialties. Radiation oncology, with its highly technical nature and multidisciplinary approach, faced unique challenges in maintaining training quality while adapting to pandemic restrictions. This subanalysis of a nationwide survey on oncological training quality during the pandemic examines gender-specific differences within radiation oncology specialist training. We analyzed survey responses from 85 radiation oncologists (58 females, 27 males) conducted between February and November 2022, focusing on workload changes, educational access, digital learning adaptation, and training quality assessment. Male radiation oncologists experienced more frequent work disruptions, including temporary departmental relocation (48.1% vs. 24.1%, p = 0.027) and significant work assignment changes (categories 4 + 5: 55.5% vs. 17.2%, p = 0.002). Males reported better access to digital learning alternatives, including e-learning platforms (37.0% vs. 8.6%, p = 0.001) and live online teaching (51.9% vs. 20.7%, p = 0.004), while females more frequently lacked alternatives for clinical training (55.2% vs. 25.9%, p = 0.012). Gender differences emerged in perceived negative training factors, with males more concerned about team meeting disruptions (categories 4 + 5: 51.8% vs. 41.4%, p = 0.022) and females about personal work absences (categories 4 + 5: 31.0% vs. 22.2%, p = 0.015). Despite these operational differences, overall training and work quality assessments remained comparable between genders. The pandemic affected male and female radiation oncologists through different pathways, with males experiencing more work deployment changes and better digital access, while females faced greater gaps in training alternatives. These findings highlight the importance of gender-sensitive crisis response planning to ensure equitable training opportunities during future health emergencies.
Yussof I, Ab Muin NF, Abd Rahim S
… +3 more, Mohd Tahir NA, Hatah E, Mohamed Shah N
J Cancer Educ
· 2026 Jan · PMID 41520092
·
Publisher ↗
Non-adherence to endocrine therapy was associated with insufficient knowledge and poor beliefs towards treatment. A culturally-appropriate education tool may be needed to improve patient care. This study aimed to evaluat...Non-adherence to endocrine therapy was associated with insufficient knowledge and poor beliefs towards treatment. A culturally-appropriate education tool may be needed to improve patient care. This study aimed to evaluate a newly developed education tool, with two phases of evaluation involving experts and potential users consisting of breast cancer patients on endocrine therapy. Expert evaluation involved assessment by a multi-disciplinary panel (n = 10) using three tools to assess different aspects of quality: Ensuring Quality Information for Patients (EQIP); Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT), which consists of Understandability and Actionability scales; and Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM). The mean scores for EQIP (90.3%), PEMAT (Understandability: 98.2%; Actionability: 96.3%) and SAM (93.4%) revealed that the education tool exhibited good quality. User-based evaluation utilised pre- and post-questionnaires to evaluate user satisfaction via Consumer Information Rating Form (CIRF) and to evaluate the effects of the education tool on knowledge as well as beliefs, assessed using Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ). Patients were recruited from a university hospital and a national cancer institute. Results from CIRF indicated that the participants (n = 62) were satisfied with the comprehensibility, utility and design quality of the education tool. There was a significant improvement for knowledge (1.89 vs. 3.39, p < 0.01) and BMQ-General scores: General-Harm (2.24 vs. 1.91, p < 0.01) and General-Overuse (2.81 vs. 2.44, p < 0.01) after patients were introduced to the education tool. The findings indicated that the education tool may help to improve education for breast cancer patients on endocrine therapy.
Vázquez-Otero C, Owens HN, Arevalo M
… +10 more, Cui J, Chavez MN, Maconi ML, Geiss C, Turner K, Vadaparampil ST, Barrios-Monroy V, Pena A, Whiting J, Christy SM
J Cancer Educ
· 2026 Jan · PMID 41499050
·
Full text
Young adults (18-26 years) are at high risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) exposure. Yet, HPV vaccine uptake is suboptimal among young adults. Provider recommendation is frequently the most influential factor in HPV vacci...Young adults (18-26 years) are at high risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) exposure. Yet, HPV vaccine uptake is suboptimal among young adults. Provider recommendation is frequently the most influential factor in HPV vaccine acceptance. Evidence-based strategies are needed to facilitate provider recommendations for young adults. To inform provider-level strategies for recommending the HPV vaccine to young adult patients, the current study aims to understand current practices and barriers and facilitators to both recommending the HPV vaccine for young adults and for young adults to receive the HPV vaccine. Primary care providers (e.g., physicians, nurses; n = 15) in the United States completed a semi-structured interview guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Data were analyzed thematically using Nvivo. Most participants identified as female (80%), White (67%), and non-Hispanic (93%). Participants reported varying their HPV vaccine discussions based on visit type (acute vs. wellness) and if the patient is new or established in their practice. Participants reported barriers to HPV vaccination in young adults across several CFIR domains including outer setting (e.g., transient living situation), inner setting (e.g., lack of availability of vaccine in clinic), individual (e.g., sex differences), and process (e.g., burnout). Facilitators included considering the HPV vaccine as a high priority and scheduling future vaccine appointments at the current visit. Evidence-based interventions to increase HPV vaccine uptake among young adults are needed. Healthcare providers identified multilevel barriers to both recommending and delivering the HPV vaccine to their young adult patients.
Ali IM, Hashmi M, Khan WA
… +8 more, Khan SR, Hameed A, Soomro MY, Samar R, Ali A, Rashid YA, Moosajee M, Zaki A
J Cancer Educ
· 2026 Jan · PMID 41495535
·
Publisher ↗
Genetic testing is central to personalized cancer care, yet its routine use remains limited in low- and middle-income countries such as Pakistan. Little is known about how clinician confidence, institutional resources, a...Genetic testing is central to personalized cancer care, yet its routine use remains limited in low- and middle-income countries such as Pakistan. Little is known about how clinician confidence, institutional resources, and system-level barriers jointly influence its adoption in this setting. This study aimed to identify the key barriers influencing the use of genetic testing in oncology and to explore practical ways to strengthen its adoption in clinical practice. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 49 oncology clinicians in Pakistan between August and December 2023. The questionnaire assessed clinician confidence, ordering practices, knowledge, training, and perceived barriers related to genetic testing. Two outcomes, low confidence and infrequent test ordering, were analyzed using Fisher's exact test and odds ratios to identify key associations. Open-ended responses were reviewed using an inductive thematic approach to capture context-specific implementation barriers. Among respondents, 14% reported low confidence in their knowledge of genetic testing and 18% rarely ordered tests when indicated. Limited access to a testing laboratory was strongly associated with both low confidence (odds ratio 22.0, p = 0.002) and infrequent ordering (odds ratio 14.0, p = 0.002). The absence of a genetic counsellor showed a positive but non-significant association with confidence (odds ratio 7.26, p = 0.098). Patient-level barriers, including cost (93%) and perceived stigma or irrelevance (69%), were common but did not significantly predict clinicians' behaviour. Qualitative responses highlighted three intersecting domains of barriers: system-level workflow delays and fragmented processes, clinician-level gaps in genetics training and support, and patient-level misconceptions and financial concerns. Improving infrastructure and integrating genetics education are both essential to expand equitable access to precision oncology. Our findings suggest that in Pakistan and similar LMIC settings, targeted strengthening of laboratory and referral infrastructure, together with genetics-focused education and supportive policies, may have the greatest impact on routine use of cancer genetic testing.
Portillo-Romero AJ, González-Morales R, Carnalla M
… +3 more, Giuliano AR, Allen-Leigh B, Lazcano-Ponce E
J Cancer Educ
· 2026 Jan · PMID 41491282
·
Publisher ↗
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is a key strategy for preventing anogenital cancers. However, coverage among transgender women remains poorly documented, particularly in Latin America. This study examined barriers...Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is a key strategy for preventing anogenital cancers. However, coverage among transgender women remains poorly documented, particularly in Latin America. This study examined barriers and facilitators to completing the HPV vaccination schedule among transgender women in Mexico City. We conducted a mixed-methods study with 138 transgender women receiving care in two public clinics. Quantitative, qualitative, and geospatial analyses were integrated. Vaccination completion and HPV prevalence were estimated; 14 semi-structured interviews explored perceived barriers and facilitators, and geographic mapping identified completion patterns. Overall, 32.6% (n = 45) of participants reported completing the vaccination schedule. Older age and higher education were associated with higher completion, though not statistically significant. Reported barriers included personal, organizational, cultural, and geographical challenges. Facilitators included accessibility and promotion of vaccines, clear information from healthcare providers, and participants' interest in health. These findings underscore critical opportunities to enhance HPV prevention through tailored interventions, culturally competent services, and consistent follow-up. Importantly, they highlight the need for educational and communication strategies to improve vaccination uptake and reduce the HPV-related cancer burden in this high-risk population.
J Cancer Educ
· 2026 Jan · PMID 41491281
·
Publisher ↗
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is one of the most common head and neck tumors and is particularly prevalent in certain geographical regions, especially Southeast Asia. Radiotherapy remains the cornerstone of treatment; h...Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is one of the most common head and neck tumors and is particularly prevalent in certain geographical regions, especially Southeast Asia. Radiotherapy remains the cornerstone of treatment; however, patients often exhibit misconceptions due to limited health literacy, which may compromise treatment adherence and outcomes. Large language models (LLMs) provide a novel approach to patient education, yet their reliability and readability in the context of radiotherapy for NPC have not been systematically evaluated. In July 2025, we conducted a comparative evaluation of ChatGPT-4o and DeepSeek-R1 in addressing educational questions related to NPC radiotherapy. The DISCERN instrument was used to assess response quality and reliability, while text readability was measured using the Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease Score (FRES), Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), and Coleman-Liau Index (CLI). Statistical analyses were performed using RStudio (v4.2.2). Both models achieved overall DISCERN scores of 51-62, indicating a "good" quality rating, with strengths in relevance and neutrality. However, deficiencies were noted in the areas of evidence currency, guideline references, and long-term side effects. DeepSeek-R1 demonstrated significantly higher readability compared with ChatGPT-4o, with a 25.6% reduction in FKGL and a 27% decrease in mean sentence length, making it more accessible for populations with limited health literacy. LLMs show substantial potential in supporting patient education for NPC radiotherapy, particularly by enhancing readability. Nonetheless, current models remain limited in terms of source transparency and completeness of clinical details. Future development should incorporate multimodal educational formats, real-time guideline integration, and structured output templates to further improve information reliability and patient support.
Khan AF, Rau A, Dang A
… +3 more, Charpentier AM, Croke J, Alfieri J
J Cancer Educ
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41452520
·
Publisher ↗
Under-represented in medicine (URM) trainees experience higher discrimination and attrition rates, increased depression and burnout. This is the first mentorship program developed for URM medical students, residents and...Under-represented in medicine (URM) trainees experience higher discrimination and attrition rates, increased depression and burnout. This is the first mentorship program developed for URM medical students, residents and fellows in Canada in radiation oncology to try and improve trainee well-being and inclusion. The Canadian Association of Radiation Oncology - Underrepresented in Radiation Oncology Mentorship Program (CARO-UROMP) was developed through materials adapted from the Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology's Equity and Inclusion Subcommittee. Mentees and mentors were paired based on a pre-program needs assessment. The program was administered for an 8-month duration. Pre and post-program surveys were sent to participants. Between September 2024 and April 2025, 11 mentees and 11 mentors participated. All mentees and mentors were satisfied/very satisfied (100%) with the mentorship program overall. The majority of mentees (87.5%) felt that their mentors were approachable, timely, supportive and listened to their thoughts. Most (75%) were satisfied/very satisfied with career support including jobs and networking advice. For research support, most mentees (62.5%) were satisfied/very satisfied on guidance on research/grant applications and manuscript writing. All mentors agreed/strongly agreed that they were able to improve their mentees' confidence, sense of community and inclusion within RO and that they were able to motivate their mentee to reach their objectives. All mentor/mentee pairs wanted to continue their mentorship relationship. The inaugural year of the CARO-UROMP mentorship program was successful with very high rates of satisfaction. Given the positive impact of the program, the Canada-wide program will look to expand in the future.
Ngang IC, Kouya F, Tetteh E
… +7 more, Atuiri C, Joel K, Kouya B, Ngalle NV, Mamillapalle V, Chamberlain RM, Soliman AS
J Cancer Educ
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41436684
·
Publisher ↗
Bereaved parents of pediatric cancer patients experience severe grief and psychological distress, but studies on major depressive disorder (MDD) and complicated grief (CG) in Africa, including Cameroon, are lacking. This...Bereaved parents of pediatric cancer patients experience severe grief and psychological distress, but studies on major depressive disorder (MDD) and complicated grief (CG) in Africa, including Cameroon, are lacking. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of MDD and CG among bereaved parents of deceased pediatric cancer patients in Cameroon. This cross-sectional study included parents of deceased pediatric cancer patients treated at Mbingo Baptist Hospital between 2015 and 2022. Multivariable stepwise logistic regression identified predictors of MDD and CG. The prevalence of CG was 86% and 66.7% of the subjects screened positive for MDD. MDD significant predictors included age [OR 1.09, 95% CI: 1.015-1.174, p = 0.018], financial hardship [OR 9.47, CI: 1.584-56.629, p = 0.014], and coping capacity [medium resilience OR 7.874, 95% CI: 1.385-23.728, p = 0.027]. Predictors of CG included age [OR 1.157, 95% CI: 1.012-1.322, p = 0.032], financial hardship [OR 11.501, 95% CI: 1.115-118.664, p = 0.04], and coping capacity [(low resilient copers OR 14.011, 95% CI: 1.136-156.867, p < 0.01), (medium resilient copers OR 19.023, 95% CI: 2.537-109.001, p < 0.01)]. The study revealed the high prevalence of MDD and CG among bereaved parents of pediatric cancer patients in Cameroon. Inaccurate knowledge about the child's prognosis and poor perceived social support were associated with compromised parental mental health. Personalized mental health support for assisting bereaved families and education for resilience to loss may improve the quality of life of families. The study may have implications for mental health and the the education of families in Cameroon and similar low-income countries.
J Cancer Educ
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41430549
·
Publisher ↗
Online cancer information is a key health resource in Japan, particularly for older adults. However, the quality may vary depending on the source. This study aimed to evaluate Japanese-language cancer webpages across dif...Online cancer information is a key health resource in Japan, particularly for older adults. However, the quality may vary depending on the source. This study aimed to evaluate Japanese-language cancer webpages across different sources in terms of understandability, actionability, readability, and credibility. We analyzed 100 webpages about five major cancers (breast, colorectal, lung, prostate, and gastric) retrieved via Google. Pages, classified as academic (n = 14), medical (n = 51), or corporate (n = 35), and assessed using PEMAT-P, jReadability, and JAMA Benchmark Criteria. Overall, 79 pages (79.0%) scored ≥ 70 in understandability, while only 5 pages (5.0%) reached this threshold in actionability. Corporate pages showed the highest proportion scoring ≥ 70 in understandability (n = 34, 97.1%), followed by academic (n = 14, 100.0%) and medical (n = 31, 60.8%) sources (p < 0.001). Readability was uniformly low, with 98 pages (98.0%) rated as somewhat to very difficult. Corporate sources also displayed significantly higher credibility scores than other sources (p < 0.001). Corporate websites demonstrated clearer structure and higher transparency of source attribution, potentially reflecting organizational standards. However, actionable content remained limited across all sources. These findings highlight a misalignment between user search needs and information design, underscoring the importance of structuring content not only for clarity and reliability, but also for supporting users in taking informed health actions. This has implications for digital cancer education targeting aging populations.
Komsany A, McCooty K, Fox J
… +6 more, Shah U, Leak TM, McDonald JA, Terry MB, Soroka O, Phillips E
J Cancer Educ
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41428312
·
Full text
Adolescents and young adults (ages 15-39) represent the only U.S. age group with rising cancer incidence, underscoring the need for early prevention. Yet, awareness of cancer risk factors among adolescents remains low, a...Adolescents and young adults (ages 15-39) represent the only U.S. age group with rising cancer incidence, underscoring the need for early prevention. Yet, awareness of cancer risk factors among adolescents remains low, and few evidence-based programs are integrated into school curricula. The Cancer Risk Education in Schools for Youth and Families (CARES4You) study aims to co-design a middle school cancer prevention curriculum with teachers to ensure feasibility, alignment with science standards, and relevance to students' lived experiences. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through three complementary sources: (1) Focus groups with 39 teachers and administrators from five New York City public middle schools explored curriculum content, classroom fit, and caregiver engagement. Sessions were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically; (2) Classroom observations (n = 6) documented instructional context, student engagement, teaching strategies, and resource availability, with field notes analyzed descriptively; and (3) Content field testing with Math for America (MƒA) fellows (n = 33) piloted two curriculum units on nicotine and dietary-related cancer risk. Teachers completed structured surveys and provided open-ended feedback on feasibility, clarity, and engagement. Data across all sources were triangulated to identify convergent themes related to feasibility, implementation, and contextual adaptation. Teachers viewed the curriculum as relevant, flexible, and culturally resonant. Six themes emerged: teacher receptivity, environmental context, lessons beyond the curriculum, integration strategies, effective practices, and caregiver engagement. Respondents valued hands-on learning and real-world connections but cited limited time and resources. Integrating teacher co-design with cancer prevention represents a promising, sustainable strategy to enhance adolescent cancer literacy and intergenerational health awareness.
J Cancer Educ
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41420135
·
Publisher ↗
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the role of ChatGPT-assisted flipped classroom (FC)s in choroidal melanoma education, focusing on its potential to improve learning efficiency, support independent learning, and prom...OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the role of ChatGPT-assisted flipped classroom (FC)s in choroidal melanoma education, focusing on its potential to improve learning efficiency, support independent learning, and promote research activities. METHODS: This was a grouped controlled study. A total of 41 ophthalmology postgraduates were recruited to participate in the FC teaching experiment. This study explored the integration of ChatGPT into FC teaching for medical postgraduates. Postgraduate students were recruited and divided into a traditional FC group and a ChatGPT-assisted FC group. Evaluations included student feedback, classroom performance scores, theoretical examination results, literature review assessments, and time allocation data. RESULTS: The ChatGPT-assisted FC group significantly outperformed the traditional FC group in classroom performance (p < 0.001) and literature review writing, particularly in areas such as structure, citation, and scientific rigor (p < 0.001). Although theoretical exam scores showed no significant difference (p = 0.12), the ChatGPT group demonstrated reduced time requirements for pre-class preparation (p = 0.008) and literature review writing (p < 0.001). Additionally, survey results revealed higher satisfaction in areas such as inspiration, content creation, and efficiency of information retrieval in the ChatGPT group. CONCLUSIONS: The ChatGPT-assisted FC model is a highly effective teaching approach for medical postgraduate education. While it enhances learning efficiency and reduces workload, appropriate integration of ChatGPT with traditional methods is essential to ensure educational quality and academic integrity.
Hunter D, Anderson N, Oates R
… +2 more, Kok D, Wright C
J Cancer Educ
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41417434
·
Publisher ↗
Effective communication is a critical aspect of cancer care delivery. Specific communication challenges exist for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) patients and healthcare professionals throughout cancer treat...Effective communication is a critical aspect of cancer care delivery. Specific communication challenges exist for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) patients and healthcare professionals throughout cancer treatment. This literature review aimed to examine the cancer treatment experience of CALD patients. A systematic scoping review was conducted in January 2025 using the databases; OVID Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central. Search parameters included cancer, cultural diversity, language, and patient experience. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines and an established PICOS framework, 47 articles were selected for review. Exclusion criteria omitted duplicates, non-English language publications, articles published prior to 2010, and those unrelated to oncology and/or CALD communities. Three overarching themes were established from the literature; (1) education & empowerment, (2) quality care provision, and (3) system-level change. Communication barriers impacted the experience of cancer care and compromised treatment outcomes. Translated resources and staff cultural awareness training were observed to be beneficial for CALD patients. There is justified need to improve communication supports and resources for CALD patients and their clinicians. However, radiotherapy (RT) specific research is required to safely implement, contextualise and validate findings - informing bespoke communication improvement opportunities within RT practice.
J Cancer Educ
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41410847
·
Publisher ↗
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) mentored career development (K) awards program plays an essential role in supporting early-career scientists in the US. This retrospective cohort study utilized publicly available data...The National Cancer Institute (NCI) mentored career development (K) awards program plays an essential role in supporting early-career scientists in the US. This retrospective cohort study utilized publicly available data from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Research Portfolio Online Reporting Tools Expenditures and Results (RePORTER) database to obtain data on awards, total costs, and funding mechanisms, and the NIH iCite database to obtain data on publications, citations, and mean relative citation ratio. Principal investigators (PIs) who received NCI mentored K awards between 1981 and 2013 were included, to allow for 10 years of follow-up. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to explore predictors of attaining an R01-equivalent award. 1,778 K awards were awarded by the NCI between 1981-2013, with a median total cost of $128,036 per award/year. Around 43% received an R01-equivalent award over a total of 4,827 person-years, with a median time to award of 5.5 years and an incidence rate of 0.16 (95% CI: 0.15, 0.17) awards per person-year. In multivariable logistic regression models, PIs who received a K08 (OR = 1.47) K22 (OR = 1.72), or a K99 (OR = 1.55) displayed greater odds of attaining an R01-equivalent award compared to K01 awardees (p < .05 for all). PIs based in independent hospitals (OR = 1.45 vs. institutes of higher education), who focused on molecular/cellular research (OR = 1.37 vs. clinical human research), had a greater number of publications per year (OR = 1.40/publication/year), had a higher mean relative citation ratio (OR = 1.65/5 units increase), and published for a longer time interval (OR = 1.09/year), displayed greater odds of receiving an R01-equivalent award (p < .05 for all). In conclusion, productivity metrics, including greater publication and citation rates, were associated with a higher likelihood of successful transition to independence.
Sakuragi M, Shiozawa M, Shiba S
… +9 more, Nakamura Y, Abe S, Morikubo H, Hasegawa M, Harao M, Kitayama J, Sata N, Yamaguchi H, Kawahira H
J Cancer Educ
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41400893
·
Publisher ↗
Improving mammography and ultrasound interpretation skills requires exposure to a large number of images. However, mammography images, particularly those stored in the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICO...Improving mammography and ultrasound interpretation skills requires exposure to a large number of images. However, mammography images, particularly those stored in the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) format, are increasingly high-resolution and large, making them difficult to handle in personal computer (PC) environments. We developed a system that compresses mammography images while preserving quality and enables simultaneous learning with corresponding breast ultrasound images. Since 2022, this platform has been utilized by the Breast Cancer Screening Subcommittee for online learning to review the previous year’s screening images. Participants evaluated image quality on a 5-point scale. Using 2022 as a control, the Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare image quality across 2023 and 2024. Participants also evaluated their perceived improvement (1–5 scale), and the Mann–Whitney test was applied to compare 2023 and 2024 data. File size was reduced to 3–13% of the original. Overall, 96% of participants were satisfied with image quality, and 75% of returning participants reported improved diagnostic skills. Although differences in image quality (p = 0.09) and diagnostic skill improvement (p = 0.167) were not significant, 98% expressed interest in continuing web-based training. This study is the first to report a system enabling screening professionals to review mammographic and ultrasound images they previously interpreted using a home PC. The findings suggest that a PC-based, remotely accessible e-learning environment offers greater convenience and comparable educational value to in-person workshops.
J Cancer Educ
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41396238
·
Publisher ↗
The Cancer Epidemiology Education in Special Populations (CEESP) Program has enabled U.S.-based public health graduate students to develop their summer research projects based on their choice of mentors, topics, and rese...The Cancer Epidemiology Education in Special Populations (CEESP) Program has enabled U.S.-based public health graduate students to develop their summer research projects based on their choice of mentors, topics, and research sites in global and U.S. domestic settings. In this study, we predicted CEESP student success by the production of a first-authored publication from the summer research experience. Producing a publication requires designing a scientifically sound research study, collecting the proposed data, managing challenges and hurdles during the field experience, collaborating with off-campus mentors, addressing cultural issues, analyzing the data, and writing a publishable manuscript. The data from the first 17 years of the program included data from 203 students. The results showed that the significant predictors of publication included (a) favorable evaluation by the Advisory Committee at the time of selecting students (OR,5.21, 95% CI, 1.97-13.79), (b) building on previous CEESP students' research data and infrastructure (OR,2.11, 95% CI, 1.02-4.37), (c) persistence (OR,18.61, 95% CI, 5.19-66.74) and resourcefulness (OR, 17.51, 95% CI, 4.21-62.01) of the student, (d) student utilization of the CEESP data for thesis or dissertation after the summer (OR, 7.56.75, CI 1.84-31.11), and (e) pursuing careers and education in cancer after the summer (OR, 8.84, 95% CI, 3.3-23.42). The study highlights the importance of the rigorous evaluation of students at the time of admission to the program and the value of tailored and continuous mentoring during all stages of research training. The study also highlights the critical role of establishing and maintaining a solid infrastructure of training students over time and the need for opening doors for trainees' career development after the summer experience. The study may have implications for increasing the critical mass of cancer researchers and improving the short- and long-term outcomes of programs focused on cancer education and research training of students.
Yuan MY, Hong WQ, Hu RH
… +2 more, Jiang XH, Zhang S
J Cancer Educ
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41392071
·
Publisher ↗
Colorectal cancer (CRC) necessitates effective patient education, yet patients increasingly utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) large language models (LLMs) for health information, raising concerns about quality and acc...Colorectal cancer (CRC) necessitates effective patient education, yet patients increasingly utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) large language models (LLMs) for health information, raising concerns about quality and accessibility. This study evaluates the suitability of leading LLMs for generating CRC patient education materials. Eleven standardized prompts covering CRC topics from diagnosis to prognosis were posed to each LLM in separate sessions. Readability was measured using Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease (FRES) and Grade Level (FKGL). Quality was assessed using the DISCERN instrument (16 criteria, max score 80) by two independent reviewers. Readability consistently exceeded recommended levels for patient materials, with FKGL scores typically corresponding to US grades 7–10. DISCERN scores indicated ‘fair’ quality overall (range 37–58,), with ERNIE X1 demonstrating the most consistent performance (48–58) among the tested models. Gemini-2.5Pro generated significantly longer and more complex responses (higher average words per sentence) with higher quality variability (37–57). Critically, none of the four models provided citations or information sources. Current LLMs can generate factually accurate basic CRC information but exhibit significant limitations for patient education. Outputs consistently fail to meet recommended readability standards, potentially hindering comprehension for many patients. While demonstrating ‘fair’ quality, the universal lack of source citations severely compromises transparency and trustworthiness. Substantial improvements, particularly in simplifying language and providing verifiable sources, are essential before these AI tools can be reliably and safely used as standalone resources for CRC patient education.
J Cancer Educ
· 2025 Dec · PMID 41389177
·
Publisher ↗
Clinician-educator (CE) faculty are essential to the education of trainees in cancer care, yet at research-intensive institutions advancement pathways for education-focused faculty are often unclear. Describe CE percepti...Clinician-educator (CE) faculty are essential to the education of trainees in cancer care, yet at research-intensive institutions advancement pathways for education-focused faculty are often unclear. Describe CE perceptions of advancement and recognition of educational work and identify priorities for a CE promotion pathway at a large cancer center. Anonymous faculty survey (January 2023) with analyses restricted to clinical faculty who self-identified as CEs or were unsure of their CE status. Descriptive statistics were reported; exploratory Kruskal-Wallis tests compared responses by rank and years in rank. One open-ended item on barriers underwent inductive content analysis by two coders. IRB approved (2022 - 1006). Of 208 respondents, 142 were clinical faculty; 103 (72.5%) identified as CEs or were unsure of their CE status. Nearly half perceived no clear advancement path (49/103, 47.6%), while 27/103 (26.2%) perceived a clear path. Most reported educational effort was undervalued relative to research for academic recognition (72/103, 69.9%) and promotion impact (67/103, 64.7%). A majority agreed that establishing a CE pathway would aid advancement (60/103, 57.9%). Highest-priority elements were transparent promotion criteria (64/103, 62.1%), protected time for education (64/103, 62.1%), and tools to document and quantify educational effort (60/103, 58.3%). CE faculty at a research-intensive center perceived unclear advancement and lower recognition of educational work. Institutions seeking to strengthen cancer education should implement transparent CE-specific criteria, allocate protected education time, and adopt systems that document educational contributions.