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Cancer control knowledge, attitudes, and perceived skills among medical students
J G Zapka1, R Luckmann, S I Sulsky
1University of Massachusetts Medical School, Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, Worcester 01655, USA.
Summary
Cancer Prevention and Control Education (CPACE) program findings show disappointing basic cancer knowledge among students. Confidence in performing and interpreting examinations needs improvement, particularly for opposite-gender screenings.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Public Health
- Cancer Prevention
Background:
- The Cancer Prevention and Control Education (CPACE) program seeks to enhance and unify cancer prevention and control curricula.
- Targeting medical, graduate nursing, and public health students.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess cancer-related knowledge and confidence levels in students.
- To inform curriculum development for the CPACE program.
Main Methods:
- Self-administered surveys were distributed to students (78% response rate).
- Descriptive and stratified analyses, along with ANOVA, were employed for data evaluation.
Main Results:
- Student knowledge and confidence generally improved with higher class year.
- Confidence varied significantly by gender and specific counseling scenarios.
- Confidence in performing examinations exceeded that of interpreting results, with variations across examination types.
Conclusions:
- Basic cancer information understanding was found to be inadequate.
- Confidence in performing and interpreting cancer examinations requires enhancement, especially for opposite-gender screenings.
- Findings provide implications for refining the CPACE curriculum.
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