Journal of Cancer Education最新文献

Cancer incidence in Morocco is expected to increase by 17.9% by the year 2030, demanding appropriate training for oncologists radiotherapist (ORs). Radiotherapy, which is required in over 50% of all cancer cases, requires well-trained professionals to provide quality treatment. This study aims to evaluate the perception of radiation oncology residents (RORs) and junior in onco-radiotherapy (JORs) on their training course in Morocco. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted in July and August 2024 in eight Moroccan university hospital centers (UHCs). A standardized online questionnaire was used to assess participants' satisfaction with their training, as well as their perception of the quality of theoretical and practical teaching. Data were analyzed using Chi² and Fisher's exact tests (p < 0.05). A total of 157 of the 158 radiation oncology residents and 24 ORs of the 100 recent graduates completed the questionnaire. Most participants (90.1%) were satisfied with their choice of specialty. However, only 45.9% of residents were confident in their use of advanced radiotherapy (IMRT/VMAT) and 17.7% in stereotactic radiotherapy. The results revealed disparities between centers in terms of access to technology and supervision, depending on their seniority. Almost half of the participants (44.75%) pointed out the need for a unified national curriculum. Furthermore, the study found overall satisfaction with resident training, but disparities in access to advanced technology and quality of supervision according to center seniority. A unified curriculum and an improvement in available equipment are essential to optimize training in radiotherapy oncology in Morocco.

Black Men (BM) have disproportionately higher mortality rates from prostate cancer (PCa) and present with more advanced disease. Early screening may improve outcomes. The aim of our project was to provide education, screening, and provider outreach with a long-term goal to decrease the disproportionate number of PCa deaths in BM. We conducted focus group discussions with BM to assess their perceptions and understanding of PCa and screening. Focus groups aided in the development of educational materials. Educational materials were distributed at community events. Screening was offered, at select events, using prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing. Men with PSA levels of ≥ 4 ng/ml were contacted for follow-up. The project included training for Henry Ford Health (HFH) providers and an assessment of their PCa screening practice. We completed 4 focus groups and distributed ~ 1000 PCa educational brochures. We participated in 45 community events between March 2022 to June 30, 2023. 340 men were screened. 28 men had an elevated PSA, and 17 men did not complete follow-up. Multiple HFH provider educational sessions were conducted. Of 129 providers who completed a screening practice assessment, 78 (60%) routinely offered PSA screening to men between ages 55-69. Between 2018 to 2023 at HFH, the PSA screening rate overall increased from 8.2% to 12.7%. Although our outreach efforts were effective at increasing PSA screening, 60.7% of men screened in our community events with elevated PSA did not follow-up. Future efforts should further reduce barriers to PCa screening and follow-up.

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.

We present findings from town hall meetings held with ethnically diverse Black prostate cancer (CaP) survivors in 2022 and 2023. Four town halls (total participants, N = 265) focused on diagnosis, treatment, psychosocial support, and overall survivorship. Moderated by a long-term CaP survivor, each session featured a panel that included medical providers (urologic oncologists and clinical psychologists), as well as CaP survivors of American, Caribbean, and African origin and their spouses. Surveys captured demographic data, clinical information, CaP-specific details (for survivors only), and perceptions of the town halls. The meetings highlighted three interrelated themesinfluencing decision-making: access to comprehensive information, the strength of support networks, and the availability of culturally competent care. These town halls revealed important educational and support opportunities for ethnically diverse Black men with CaP, promoting informed decision-making throughout the cancer journey and improving quality of life while reducing decisional regret during survivorship.

To describe the development of an online mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) to reduce anxiety before a first-time screening colonoscopy among average-risk patients. A qualitative study used an iterative process guided by health behavior and mindfulness theories and feedback from a convenience sample of patients, endoscopy medical staff, and community members. Patient and medical staff (n = 18) were included in formative interviews (30-45 min), eight helped during intervention development sessions (15-90 min), and four community members reviewed the MBI in individual sessions (60 min). Interviews and sessions were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using NVivo qualitative data software. Two themes emerged from the study: (1) both patients and medical staff reported that average-risk patients have pre-procedural anxiety before a first-time screening colonoscopy, and (2) using stakeholder-engaged strategies in an iterative process with both patients and medical staff is important so the developed intervention is acceptable to the priority population and to ensure medical accuracy and avoid disruption of workflow. Using an iterative process with key stakeholders is essential to develop interventions that are feasible and acceptable. The MBI developed through this process is being compared to usual care in a pilot randomized controlled trial to determine intervention feasibility and patient acceptability and to collect preliminary efficacy data. If efficacious, the developed MBI has the potential to reduce pre-procedural anxiety which may improve patient behaviors (e.g., bowel prep adherence and quality), patient satisfaction, and clinic workflow by reducing cancellation/no-shows, the amount of sedation required, and procedural time.

Men living with HIV are at significantly higher risk of persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infections and related diseases, including anal cancer. The optimal approach for anal cancer prevention remains unclear. In addition, limited knowledge and training among healthcare providers further hinder the implementation of effective screening and management strategies. To describe hrHPV prevalence and cytological abnormalities in men living with HIV and identify educational gaps in provider knowledge, this cross-sectional study recruited 178 men living with HIV (aged 18-60 years) from an HIV care clinic in Morelos, Mexico. Participants provided anal canal samples for hrHPV DNA testing and cytological evaluation. Descriptive statistics were used to report prevalence rates for hrHPV genotypes and cytological abnormalities. hrHPV prevalence was 80.9%. LSIL was most common (39.87%), with HSIL detected in 3.27%. The high prevalence of hrHPV and associated cytological abnormalities in men living with HIV underscores the need for educational programs to enhance provider knowledge and skills in HPV vaccination, screening, and management. Targeted training for physicians and other HIV care providers can address gaps in prevention and care, ultimately reducing the burden of HPV-related diseases in this high-risk population. The study may have implications for similar special populations with high HIV and HPV infection rates.

International research shows that oncology providers frequently experience grief and that grief is linked to burnout. Evidence on the prevalence of grief and its link to burnout is limited, especially in the United States (US). We investigated the prevalence of grief and its association with burnout at our institution. We surveyed 238 oncology providers in the Duke Cancer Institute and Duke Cancer Network. Our survey included demographic information, questions about burnout, and an adaptation of the Traumatic Grief Inventory Self Report (TGI-SR). We received 128 responses, including 27% attending physicians, 12% fellows, and 62% advanced practice providers. Seventy-eight percent of providers were from the academic setting. Of 123 participants who completed the TGI-SR, 115 (93%) reported at least one grief symptom. Approximately half of the participants endorsed burnout. An average of 31% of their burnout was attributed to grief. Grief scores were higher among women, those endorsing burnout, and those endorsing more frequently feeling emotionally exhausted by work. Using linear regression, we found that higher grief scores were associated with an increased risk of burnout. For each one-point increase in the grief score, the odds of endorsing burnout increased by 15% (95% CI 7-22.6%). Professional grief is nearly universal among oncology providers, with 93% answering at least "sometimes" to one of the grief symptom questions on the TGI-SR. Moreover, grief was an important predictor of burnout, marking the first time this association has been demonstrated in the US.

Pediatric oncology patients present unique challenges for healthcare professionals and caregivers. Strategies to enhance pharmaceutical knowledge among patients and their families are crucial for improving treatment adherence, safety, and outcomes. The objective was to investigate the impact of pharmaceutical health education on caregivers' ability to understand and administer medications to pediatric patients with cancer. Using a quasi-experimental design, the study implemented Medication Therapy Management services, with pharmacists providing comprehensive education through booklets and personalized consultations on chemotherapy administration, side effect management, and home medication use. The study included 29 patients, with a mean age of 5.7 years and 51.7% female. Initially, 10.3% of caregivers reported significant difficulties in medication administration. After the intervention, no caregivers reported extreme difficulty, while significant improvements in medication administration ease (W = 06.0; p = 0.047) and caregiver knowledge (W = 0.00; p < 0.001). Caregivers also better understood the importance of medication for their children's treatment (W = 0.0; p = 0.053). The present study highlights the critical role of tailored health education in empowering caregivers in pediatric oncology care. Despite some limitations, this study demonstrated that individualized pharmacist-led interventions can significantly improve outcomes in complex pediatric oncology scenarios.