Journal of Cancer Education最新文献

Oncology is a field of medicine projected to face provider shortages as cancer prevalence rises. Moreover, the diversity of oncologists remains subpar compared to that of the general population despite initiatives to increase the number of students from underrepresented backgrounds (UIM). Thus, first-year UIM medical students interested in oncology were invited to participate in a 4-week oncology summer internship (OSI) to gain clinical exposure and mentorship experiences. The OSI connected students with oncologists for mentorship, provided tours of oncologic facilities, and coordinated shadowing opportunities. The impact of the OSI was assessed via a mixed-methods approach. Pre- and post-survey data were collected from eight of the nine OSI students. Quantitative data demonstrated improvement of students' understanding of oncology as a discipline, for example its training pathways (p = .02), and awareness of patient experiences in oncology, for example socioeconomic challenges (p = .008). Students reported an increased ability to identify with those in oncology and identify mentors in the field (p = .03 and p = .05, respectively). Qualitative data demonstrated continued interest in oncology with increased commentary on the patient experience and social determinants of health. Post-survey, students provided more commentary on the need for diversity in the field and possible increased professional connections in medicine. The OSI improved students' understanding of oncology and oncology patient experiences with potentially increased identification of and connection with others in the field. Further work will focus on assessing the impact of future OSIs on professional identity formation.

The incidence and mortality rates of cancer in China have an increasing trend, with a remarkable rise in the number of new cases and deaths. Despite this, cancer profile and regional distribution remained relatively stable. China realized a series of initiatives and issued strategic documents to improve cancer education. These include the establishment of a three-tier cancer prevention program and the fulfillment of various guidelines and plans, including the Healthy China Action-Cancer control Implementation Plan (2019-2022). This comprehensive review describes the status of cancer education in China from 2013 to 2022 discussing the role of different cancer education places and that of educators. It also highlights the use of innovative educational methods and educational evaluations, which are effective in improving patient outcomes and satisfaction. Although the Chinese government has taken many measures to improve cancer education in China, several issues remain unresolved. Challenges such as the wide spectrum of tumors, the aging population, and the huge urban-rural disparities require further investment from Chinese government. In addition, cancer control in China started relatively late and lacks the support of specific legislation to control it. It is therefore necessary to increase the investment in cancer education, especially in rural areas and the legislation in areas related to cancer control should be improved to increase the accessibility and quality of education on tumor prevention and treatment.

Diversifying the biomedical research workforce is crucial for eliminating cancer health disparities. To address this need, Moffitt Cancer Center and Louisiana State University Health Sciences formed the Southeast Partnership for Improving Research and Training in Cancer Health Disparities (SPIRIT-CHD). A key component of SPIRIT-CHD is the Cancer Research Education Program (CREP), designed to train underrepresented undergraduate and medical students in biomedical science research. The CREP featured an 8-week summer internship with a web-based curriculum, community outreach, and mentored research experiences. Three cohorts (n = 39) completed the CREP. Students were evaluated before and after the internship using the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS), Science Teaching Efficacy Belief Instrument (STEBI), and Research Appraisal Inventory (RAI), modified to assess CREP outcomes. These scales measured students' intentions to pursue cancer research careers, self-efficacy in communicating scientific information, and perceived research abilities. Paired test results showed significant increases (p < 0.001) in scores across the scales (GAS, STEBI, RAI) pre- and post-training. Trainees reported heightened intentions to pursue cancer research careers (GAS; mean increase of 5.3, p < 0.001) and greater self-efficacy in relaying scientific information (STEBI; mean increase of 9.2, p < 0.001). They also showed increased self-confidence in conducting research (RAI; mean increase of 58.2, p < 0.001). These findings demonstrate the program's success in fostering interest in cancer research careers and enhancing research confidence. Results support the development of programs like CREP to positively impact the academic and professional trajectories of underrepresented students, ultimately creating a more diverse and inclusive biomedical research workforce equipped to address health disparities.

Sarcomas are commonly misdiagnosed, and treatment delays negatively impact patient outcomes. The purpose of this study is to explore patient threshold for and timeline to medical evaluation, to identify providers most likely to be contacted first, and to assess general sarcoma knowledge in Minnesota's general population. Voluntary participants were recruited at the 2015 and 2022 Minnesota State Fair to complete a three-part survey. Part 1 assessed evaluation timeline and provider choice, part 2 evaluated sarcoma knowledge via a ten-question survey, and part 3 documented demographics. Responses were electronically recorded, and results were tabulated. Overall, 2124 participants completed some or all of the survey. Part 1: Participants indicated they would seek more urgent treatment for a painful mass compared to a non-painful mass (p < 0.001). The majority (77%) of participants indicated a family medicine physician would be their first contact for painful and non-painful masses. Part 2: There was no difference in overall score (percent correct) when comparing results from 2015 (mean = 40%) to 2022 (mean = 42%) (p = 0.183). Overall, 16% (349/2117) of participants had no correct responses. Individuals who self-identified as Hispanic or Latino ethnicity and a non-White race performed worse (p < 0.001). In general, scores improved with increased education and those with a graduate or professional degree had an estimated 2.515-point increase in score compared to participants with some high school education or high school diploma/general education diploma (p < 0.001). Participants with a healthcare background scored better (p < 0.001). Pain is a driving factor for patient-initiated evaluation, and primary care providers are the most likely first contact for patients. General sarcoma awareness remains low, even among those with advanced degrees and healthcare experience. Ongoing educational efforts are warranted for both the general public and healthcare communities in Minnesota.

Despite medicinal cannabis gaining popularity for managing symptoms in cancer patients, a knowledge gap exists in patient-provider communication crucial for monitoring outcomes, optimizing dosing, and educating healthcare providers to integrate cannabis into treatment plans. Our goal is to understand communication dynamics, identify gaps, and pave the way for effective cannabis communication for individuals living with cancer (PLWC). We searched PubMed, CINAHL, and EBSCO for articles published between 2013 and July 2023, capturing the key concepts of cannabis use in cancer patients and their communication with healthcare providers in oncology settings. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement guided the review. Studies were appraised by applying the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice Model for Nursing and Healthcare Professionals. Of the 2384 articles reviewed, 14 met the inclusion criteria. Three were qualitative studies, and 11 were cross-sectional surveys. All studies were level III evidence. Studies captured patients' and providers' perspectives; five were conducted among cancer patients, and nine were among healthcare providers in oncology settings. Findings revealed variations in healthcare provider recommendations, patient-initiated discussions, and barriers to discussing medical cannabis (MC). The synthesis of this evidence highlights the complexities surrounding MC in oncology settings, including knowledge gaps among healthcare providers, patient-initiated discussions, and challenges in accessing and prescribing medicinal cannabis. This review contributes valuable insights into the current landscape of MC use in cancer care, emphasizing the need for improved communication, education, and support for both patients and healthcare providers.

Myeloma is the third most common blood cancer and one of the most complex and expensive cancers to treat. Black Americans face health disparities related to myeloma incidence, age at diagnosis, access to novel treatments, and mortality. To help reduce health disparities among Black Americans through education and outreach, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has implemented its Myeloma Link initiative. In 2022, a formative, qualitative evaluation was conducted across the 15 U.S. cities that implemented Myeloma Link to better understand the information and communication needs and preferences of three groups: patients, community members, and primary care providers (PCPs). Data collection included interviews with eight patients, two focus groups with a total of ten community members, and interviews with six PCPs. Patients expressed wanting information about treatment experiences, including clinical trials, and emotional and peer support services, particularly from other Black American patients. Community members were largely unfamiliar with myeloma and desired outreach via trusted community organizations about disease signs and symptoms. Both groups discussed the importance of self-advocacy within the current healthcare system and wanted actionable messaging, rather than messaging leading with disparities statistics. PCPs described systemic capacity and time challenges in the context of needing to address more frequently encountered health conditions; nonetheless, PCPs welcomed information and brief trainings about myeloma diagnosis and treatment options, referrals to specialists, and how to improve care, prognosis, and caregiver support. Findings underscore the importance of outreach initiatives such as Myeloma Link to help meet these needs and reduce health disparities.

Pediatric cancer is one of the most burdensome chronic diseases, necessitating a variety of severe medical interventions. As a result, the disease and its treatment cause numerous acute and long-term medical, psychological, and socioeconomic strains for young patients and their families. Therefore, psychosocial care using evidence-based interventions (EBIs) before, during, and after medical treatments is essential to ensure that patients receive adequate information and to minimize the adverse emotional and psychosocial impacts such as insecurity, fear, and shame. The present study reports the first promising results of applying cancer-specific psychosocial methods developed in the quality improvement project "My Logbook." The four assessed tools are specifically designed to adequately prepare pediatric cancer patients for surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and stem cell transplantation. Self and proxy ratings were used to assess the patients' subjective knowledge and emotional well-being before and after each intervention session. The results showed that patient-centered interventions using various creative and developmentally adapted methodologies (e.g., psychoeducation, crafting, games) have the potential to effectively enhance patient health literacy (V = 120.5, p < .001, r = 0.33) and well-being as manifested in more positive (slope = 0.121, p = .016) and less negative (slope =  - 0.350, p < .001) or neutral emotions (slope =  - 0.202, p = .002). These findings highlight the importance of developing and implementing psychosocial tools in pediatric oncology to prevent psychological overload and negative emotions and to increase subjective control beliefs, autonomy, and empowerment. Moreover, the effective application and systematic evaluation of evidence-based psychosocial tools can facilitate the establishment of standardized guidelines for psychosocial care in pediatric oncology. Thereby, the final goal is to ensure the quality of care and to use education to increase the quality of life for all pediatric cancer patients.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04474678 (July 17, 2020).