Students' attitudes toward cancer: changes in medical school

This study focuses on the development of attitudes toward cancer during medical school. Under consideration were: (a) attitudes toward the patient's inner resources to cope with a serious illness such as cancer, (b) attitudes toward the value of early diagnosis, (c) attitudes toward the value of aggressive treatment, and (d) belief in immortality and preparation for the acceptance of death. Changes occurred throughout medical school, especially during the clinical years. More change appears to be related to medical education and experience that to personality. The findings have important implications for the education of medical students.