[Gann-chiryou Ninnteii--education of a fundamental (junior) oncology specialist]

The development of new active agents, along with rapid progress in biomedical technology in recent decades, has resulted in major progress in cancer treatment, but at the same time it has made cancer management much more complex: Medical treatment must now be supplemented by various other types of care. Cancer patients and their families require the best care and support through the entire process, and optimal treatment for patients cannot be provided without an oncology health care team that includes various specialists such as medical-, radiation-, and surgical oncologists, and other professionals. The oncology education system in Japan, however, is unable to comply with this demand at present, although educational programs for highly trained and dedicated oncology experts are rapidly developing. Oncologists, whether subspecialized in medical, pediatric, radiation, or surgical oncology, must comprehend a formidable knowledge base and then effectively interact with medical colleagues in a wide range of disciplines in cancer care. Since the rapid improvement of this poor oncology environment is urgently required, the Japanese Board of Cancer Therapy has made a proposal to develop a primary certification system for oncology, Gannchiryou Ninnteii: This system provides education for candidates in basic principles common to management and treatment of malignant diseases, which can enhance the quality of oncology care and also maintain the standards for certification of various oncology specialists who are now developing in Japan. Candidates are required to pass the certifying examination after satisfactory completion of graduate education in a specialty and the following training programs as a fundamental oncologist. The first certifying examination is scheduled in January, 2008. The details for certification were reviewed.