Journal of Cancer Education最新文献

Breast cancer knowledge and the practice of breast self-examination among school students are crucial topics in health education due to the high incidence rate. However, there is little research on this subject. This systematic review aims to synthesize the empirical literature on the topic, analyzing and identifying patterns in the learning strategies and evaluation methodologies used. A systematic search, following the PRISMA method across the Scopus, Web of Science, and ERIC databases, found only six studies published between 2000 and 2021 that focused on school education. The results revealed a significant lack of explicit and detailed educational interventions. Only two studies included educational interventions, but both lacked specific methodological details, limiting the ability to assess their effectiveness and replicate the results. While cross-sectional studies are useful for evaluating general knowledge, they did not sufficiently explore the underlying causes of knowledge deficiencies, nor did they propose strategies to address them. There is an urgent need to develop detailed and well-documented educational interventions on breast cancer within school contexts. This review provides an initial foundation and suggests that future research should address the identified methodological gaps to effectively contribute to health education and breast cancer prevention in young populations.

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, making it a significant global health issue. Approximately half of cancer cases are linked solely to behavioral habits. Lifestyle changes made at a young age are easier to adopt and have lasting effects on future health, making early awareness about cancer essential. The "OncoAcademy: The Key to Health" project, aimed at high school Polish students, has been created to promote a positive health attitude and increase awareness among young people about cancer and methods of its prevention. From September 2023 to November 2024, we conducted educational sessions for 3000 high school students and assessed their cancer prevention knowledge before and after the project. Results revealed that students' level of knowledge before classes was moderate (M = 51.76%; SD = 13.63%). On average, students correctly answered 13 of 26 questions. After classes, the level of knowledge was assessed as moderately good (M = 62.47%; SD = 14.48%). On average, students correctly answered 16 out of 26 questions. The analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between the general level of knowledge-after classes, students achieved significantly better scores. This study highlighted changes in students' awareness and knowledge about cancer brought about by implementing a cancer education project. Generally, high school students in Poland have basic knowledge about cancer and its risk factors. Most adolescents are aware of the significant impact of lifestyle on cancer risk. Early education on cancer prevention, mainly aimed at lifestyle changes, is crucial. Enhancing adolescents' understanding of risk factors can play a significant role in lowering future cancer rates.

Insomnia is a prevalent and distressing symptom among cancer patients, adversely impacting quality of life (QOL). Factors such as treatment-related side effects, diagnosis-related stress, and coexisting conditions, including anxiety and depression, often exacerbate insomnia. In Oman, the prevalence and contributing factors of insomnia in cancer patients remain underexplored. Additionally, despite the well-documented impact of insomnia on cancer prognosis, sleep education remains an underutilized component of oncology care. This study is aimed at determining the prevalence of insomnia among Omani cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and at identifying associated factors, emphasizing the need for structured sleep education as an essential part of cancer supportive care. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2022 to March 2023 at the Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Centre in Muscat, Oman. Adult Omani cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy during the study period were recruited. Data were collected using Arabic versions of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Edmonton Symptom Assessment System-Revised (ESAS-r). A total of 211 patients participated (response rate 85.1%). Most were female (65.9%), married (83.9%), and had stage IV cancer (55.0%). The mean age was 49.6 ± 11.7 years (range 19-81 years). Symptom burden, ranging from mild to severe, was reported by 30.8% of patients based on ESAS-r scores. Insomnia (PSQI score > 5) was identified in 55.0% of participants, with 34.1% reporting sleep disturbances after their diagnosis but prior to the initiation of chemotherapy. Insomnia was associated with pre-diagnosis sleeping problems (odds ratio (OR) = 3.04, p = 0.009), post-diagnosis but pre-chemotherapy sleep problems (OR = 7.34, p < 0.001), a history of smoking (OR = 4.00, p = 0.043), and symptom burden (OR = 3.78, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that post-diagnosis/pre-chemotherapy sleep disturbances (OR = 4.09, p = 0.002) and symptom burden (OR = 3.02, p = 0.008) significantly increased the likelihood of insomnia. Insomnia is highly prevalent among Omani cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, driven by high symptom burden and pre-existing sleep disturbances. Routine sleep assessments should be integrated into oncology care to identify at-risk patients and facilitate early intervention, ultimately improving sleep quality and enhancing QOL. Integrating structured sleep education into oncology training is crucial for effective cancer care. Approaches like CBT-I, digital tools, and hospital workshops equip providers and patients to manage sleep disturbances. Interprofessional education (IPE) boosts provider confidence, enhancing patient outcomes. Future efforts should focus on culturally tailored, evidence-based programs to support symptom management, treatment adherence, and survivorship.

Breast cancer is a major global problem affecting women, leading to changes in their physical and mental health and affecting their quality of life. Social and spiritual support can provide strength and resilience to improve their well-being. A cross-sectional study was conducted among breast cancer patients in Marrakech, Morocco. Data were collected via an interviewer-administered questionnaire by covering (a) sociodemographic, economic, and clinical data, (b) quality of life with the "EORTC Core Quality of Life Questionnaire", (c) social support with the "Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support", and (d) beliefs with the "System of Beliefs Inventory." Descriptive and correlational analyses were performed. The study included 220 breast cancer patients, with a mean age of 49.7 ± 10 years, who were mostly married (69.5%). The assessment revealed moderate perceptions of social support (4.9 ± 1.45) and beliefs (40.7 ± 5.9). Significant associations were found between the level of education and religious beliefs/social support (β =  - 0.235, p = 0.023; β = 0.217, p = 0.035), living alone and social support (β = 0.282, p = 0.001), time since diagnosis and social support/SBI (β =  - 0.183, p = 0.031; β - 0.248, p = 0.004), chemotherapy treatment and hormone therapy with SBI (β - 0.223, p = 0.005; β =  - 0.168, p = 0.031), and comorbidities and social support (β = 0.170, p = 0.024). Although social support and spirituality are important, they are not directly related to quality of life, suggesting the influence of other factors on patients' perceptions of quality of life. Promoting social support for breast cancer patients is crucial for healthcare professionals, emphasizing the importance of assessing patients' social support systems and integrating resources into treatment plans. Future research should explore the types of beneficial social support, influences on QoL, the role of digital support networks, and the conduct of longitudinal studies for more meaningful results.

Brachytherapy (BT) is a core cancer treatment modality that delivers targeted radiotherapy through the placement of radioactive sources inside or near the area to be treated. This provides a very conformal distribution of dose that minimizes radiation exposure to normal organs. This review introduces healthcare professionals (nurses, nurse navigators, public health practitioners, family physicians, and others) to the principles, applications, and future directions of BT. It covers the intent of treatment in oncology, the different types of BT, conditions that are treated with BT and the characteristics of common BT radioactive isotopes. BT's unique characteristics allow physicians to use it in curative and palliative settings for a wide range of malignant and benign indications. Despite its importance, there are still challenges in terms of accessibility and awareness, highlighting the need for comprehensive education and specialized training in this area. In view of the rising incidence of cancer, the demand for qualified brachytherapists is expected to rise accordingly, given its essential role in cancer care. Furthermore, emerging areas in BT such as the implementation of artificial intelligence and 3-dimensional (3D) printing technology hold promise for improving the accuracy and efficiency of this modality.

Students from underrepresented backgrounds are less likely to pursue careers in healthcare and research. Despite the existence of many pipeline programs to reduce this disparity, there is still a need to effectively increase the diversity of the STEM workforce. Our research education program for underrepresented high school students attempts to bridge this gap by implementing the near-peer mentorship strategy by incorporating medical students in roles as program leaders and mentors. From June 2018 to August 2022, second-year medical students at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, directed an 8-week program each summer for local San Diego high school students. Alumni of our program were invited to complete a survey to assess demographic information, current education, career goals, and impacts of our program. Our research education program for high school students from underrepresented races/ethnicities and/or low-SES backgrounds was effective in influencing our students to pursue higher education and maintain an interest in STEM-related careers.

A patient who had undergone radiation therapy for cancer developed a white coating on their tongue. This was initially misdiagnosed as a fungal infection, leading to unnecessary treatment. The actual cause was dry mouth, a common side effect of radiation therapy. This case highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of oral health conditions, especially after medical treatments.

This study aims to explore the effects of problem-based learning (PBL) and prescription-based preoperative talk (PPT) teaching methods in the teaching of tumors in cerebellopontine angle (CPA) of clinical neurosurgery residents.One hundred-thirty neurosurgery residents working in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University from September 2021 to June 2024 were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group adopted the combination of PBL and PPT, referred to as PPP. In contrast, the control group simply learned the material on their own. The effectiveness of the teaching methods was then assessed using theory test scores and customized questionnaires. Compared with the control group, the test scores of the experimental group were significantly improved (P = 0.005). In addition, the test score of the experimental group was still higher than that of the control group 1 month after the course (P = 0.033). The satisfaction questionnaire of PPP teaching method showed that the experimental group had higher satisfaction in 6 aspects of stimulating an interest, enhancing students' self-learning abilities, mastery of basic and anatomical knowledge, analytical and problem-solving skills, help for clinical thinking, and doctor-patient communication skills. In the teaching of cerebellopontine angle tumors, the PPP teaching method can provide a unique experiential learning opportunity for neurosurgery residents, improve theoretical test scores, and promote self-evaluation and satisfaction. In addition, this method can enhance neurosurgical residents' understanding of tumor diseases in the CPA region. Therefore, it helps to improve the overall teaching effectiveness.