Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices towards Colorectal Cancer in a Community in Mexico City: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on SurveysÁlvarez-López, Diego; Morales-Piélago, Gabriela Fernanda; Aguilar-Guerrero, Francisco; Pérez-Peralta, Liliana; Hernández-Aguilar, Juan Manuel; Reynoso-Noverón, Nancy
2024 Journal of Cancer Education
doi: 10.1007/s13187-024-02535-5pmid: 39466590
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and deadly neoplasms worldwide, with a growing burden in low- and middle-income countries, such as Mexico. This study seeks to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to CRC in a community in Mexico City. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between March and April 2023 among adults aged 45 to 74 residing in six neighborhoods of the Tlalpan borough in Mexico City. The questionnaire included sections on sociodemographic characteristics, medical family history, lifestyle habits, knowledge about CRC, attitudes towards prevention, and willingness to undergo screening. Data were analyzed using logistic regression models to identify factors associated with greater knowledge, attitudes, and practices. A total of 349 people were surveyed. A total of 35.2% reported knowing what CRC is, with greater knowledge of CRC being associated with higher education levels and having a family history of cancer. A total of 23.8% showed positive attitudes towards CRC screening, influenced by having a tertiary level of education. A total of 80.8% of participants expressed willingness to undergo CRC screening if offered, with lower intention observed among men. Levels of knowledge about CRC within the studied community are low, especially among those with lower education levels and without a family history of cancer. Intervention strategies should improve CRC education and foster positive attitudes towards early detection, particularly in high-risk groups.
Educating and Retaining the Cancer-Focused Biomedical Workforce from Rural Appalachian Kentucky: The Impact of Experiential Learning and Scholarship FundingRose, Lauren Hudson; Burke, Holly; Vanderford, Nathan L.
2024 Journal of Cancer Education
doi: 10.1007/s13187-024-02520-ypmid: 39388079
Kentucky postsecondary education levels are significantly below the national level, with lower levels in the Appalachian region of the state. Health disparities, including high cancer incidence and mortality, make educating and retaining students from the region a priority. The Appalachian Career Training in Oncology (ACTION) program offers cancer-related experiential opportunities and scholarships to Appalachian students. This study examines the ACTION program and its scholarship impact on undergraduate and professional school students’ decisions to attend the University of Kentucky, pursue a career in science/medicine, and pay for schooling. Thirty-three ACTION participants and alumni received scholarships through a need-based application process in academic years 2023–2024 and 2024–2025. All students receiving the scholarship were asked to complete a REDCap survey. The survey evaluated both quantitative and qualitative variables, such as the impact of various factors on college decision, the influence of ACTION programs on career choice, and the effect of ACTION scholarship on financial burden. The two most influential factors affecting students’ college choice are finances and experiential opportunities. Students in both the high school and undergraduate programs said their experiences significantly encouraged them to attend the University of Kentucky and pursue a career in science/medicine. Although the scholarship did not eliminate financial concerns, it lessened the burden. The ACTION program and scholarship encouraged Appalachian Kentucky students to attend the University of Kentucky and ameliorated financial concerns. This research demonstrates the program’s positive impact on rural, Appalachian students and provides evidence for similar programs that may benefit underserved communities.
Human PapillomaVirus Vaccine Uptake: Attitudes and Practices Among Moroccan PhysiciansYacouti, Aicha; Baddou, Rachida; Bourissi, Hiba; Ez-zaouy, Sana; Amayou, Hafssa; Elmalki, Khadija; Got, Abdeljalil El; Benider, Abdellatif; Assoumou, Samira Zoa; Mouallif, Mustapha
2024 Journal of Cancer Education
doi: 10.1007/s13187-024-02505-xpmid: 39414743
In Morocco, cervical cancer is a serious public health problem with an estimated number of 2165 new cases and 1199 deaths in 2020. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has been available in Morocco since 2008. Few data are available on physicians’ practices and attitudes toward HPV vaccine. Hence, this study aims to evaluate physicians’ awareness and practice towards HPV vaccine and to highlight the main factors affecting physicians’ recommendation of this vaccine in Morocco. We have carried out a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire with 500 physicians in different Moroccan regions between March 2019 and March 2020. This study showed an insufficient level of awareness of the two most common types of HPV associated with cervical cancer (36.6%). The rate of HPV vaccine recommendation did not exceed 16.6%. However, more than 63% of participants who were aware of HPV vaccine were willing to recommend it for their future eligible patients. Age (p value < 0.01), sector of activity (p value < 0.01), awareness of the two most common types of HPV associated with genital warts (p value = 0.02), of the vaccine schedules (p value = 0.03), and of the commercial name of this vaccine (p value < 0.01), were significant factors influencing physicians’ recommendation of HPV vaccine. Our results showed that, older age (above 51 years old) was associated with negative attitude towards the recommendation of this vaccine (OR: 0.17, 0.06–0.46 CI 95%). Practice in public sector was positively associated with recommendation of HPV vaccine (OR: 7.54, 3.38–16.80 CI 95%). Who were aware of the two most common types of HPV associated with genital warts were more likely to recommend HPV vaccine (OR: 3.36, 1.31–8.65 CI 95%). In the same line, participants, who were also more likely to recommend the vaccine, were those who were aware of HPV vaccine schedules (OR: 6.07, 3.51–10.50 IC 95%); participants who were aware of the commercial name of the HPV vaccine were more likely to recommend the vaccine (OR: 10.04, 5.02–20.09 IC 95%). Indeed, raising physicians’ awareness is urgently needed to improve HPV vaccine coverage within Moroccan population.
The Implementation of a MOOC-Based Flipped Classroom Teaching Method in the Context of Oncology Radiotherapy Residency TrainingYu, De-Yang; Zhang, Lin; Li, Ya-Li; Lan, Tian; Gu, Li-Na; Yang, Shan-Shan
2024 Journal of Cancer Education
doi: 10.1007/s13187-024-02513-xpmid: 39369377
The objective of this study is to examine the efficacy of the flipped classroom blended teaching method in the context of massive open online courses (MOOCs) for implementing standardized training and teaching of residents in oncology radiotherapy. A total of 48 junior residents who received standardized training at the Oncology Radiology Department of Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital between September 2021 and August 2023 were randomly divided into two groups—i.e., the research group (24 cases) and the control group (24 cases)—using the random number table method. The control group received conventional didactic training, whereas the research group participated in a blended learning approach based on the MOOC model. The assessment results, along with the evaluations of teaching effectiveness, self-learning ability, and teaching satisfaction questionnaires, were observed and compared for the two groups of students. Compared with the control group, the research group presented significantly higher scores on theoretical foundations, skill operation, and case analysis (P < 0.05). The research group also showed greater outcomes than the control group in terms of improved theoretical knowledge, problem-solving skills, self-learning ability, teamwork, and communication (P < 0.05). The students in the research group presented significantly higher scores on measures of self-motivation beliefs, task analysis, self-monitoring and adjustment, and self-evaluation than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The research group also demonstrated significantly higher levels of satisfaction than the control group in terms of improvements in learning interest and initiative, clinical thinking ability, problem-solving ability, team cooperation ability, and the level of radiotherapy target delineation (P < 0.05). The implementation of MOOC-based flipped classroom blended teaching was shown to have positive effects on the standardized training and teaching of residents in the field of oncology radiotherapy. This approach can undoubtedly enhance students’ academic performance, problem-solving abilities, and self-learning aptitudes while effectively stimulating their learning interests and initiative. Therefore, MOOC-based flipped classroom blended teaching is a valuable candidate for clinical application and promotion.
Recognizing the Unseen: Enhancing Family Caregiver Education in Morocco’s Cancer CareHiba, Bourissi; Soufiane, Mellas
2024 Journal of Cancer Education
doi: 10.1007/s13187-024-02521-xpmid: 39400685
During my thesis, I had the opportunity to work closely with family caregivers of cancer patients. This allowed me to meet these individuals and hear their stories filled with suffering. A large part of their complaints centered on the lack of information and training necessary to properly care for their ill relatives. Often, they find themselves responsible for a patient at home without possessing the required skills, sometimes knowing only the dosage of treatments to administer. This lack of training can lead to serious complications, such as bedsores in immobile patients or urinary infections. This experience underscores the critical need for comprehensive caregiver education in Morocco, a country where family caregivers play a crucial role in oncology care, especially in home-based support. To achieve this, the government, health care professionals, and NGOs must collaborate to develop accessible educational programs that equip caregivers with the necessary skills and knowledge.
Improving Patient Understanding and Outcomes in Lung Cancer Using an Animated Patient’s Guide with Visual Formats of LearningPatel, Manish R.; Begnaud, Abbie; Blackmon, Shanda H.; Dudek, Arkadiusz Z.; Fujioka, Naomi; Harewood, Janine C. K.; Jänne, Pasi A.; Kern, Shirley; Hawk, Lacey Running; Rusk, Ann M.; Wilder, Fatima G.; Winn, Robert; Torrison, Nancy; Searle, Stephanie
2024 Journal of Cancer Education
doi: 10.1007/s13187-024-02517-7pmid: 39438400
Lung cancer patient education resources that address barriers to health literacy, improve understanding, and demonstrate improved patient outcomes are limited. Our study aim was to evaluate and report on learner knowledge improvement and intent to implement behavior change, and validate the benefits of the You and Lung Cancer website and YouTube resources. Our study occurred from November 2017 to December 2023. We evaluated audience reach (visit sessions, unique visitors, country origins, page views) and calculated top views by media type (animations, expert videos, patient videos). We assessed the impact and commitment to change through learner surveys (areas of interest, intention to modify behaviors, and intention to discuss disease management with providers) and tested the knowledge of learners pre- and post-reviewing of website content. Our program reached 794,203 views globally; 467,546 were unique visitors; and 243,124 (51%) were unique visitors from the USA. Of US visitors, 46% identified as lung cancer patients. These were patients in treatment (38%), survivors (8%), family members or caregivers (21%), and healthcare providers (14%) with other audiences unspecified (19%). Three areas of highest learner importance were the animations “Understanding Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer” (180,591), “Staging of Lung Cancer” (144,238), and “Treatment and Management of Small Cell Lung Cancer” (49,244). Our study confirmed areas of importance to lung cancer patients and suggests that visual formats of learning, such as animations, can mitigate health literacy barriers and help improve patient understanding and outcomes. Exporting this format of learning to other cancers has the potential to benefit patients and improve health outcomes.
An Opportunity for Developing Cancer Prevention Leadership in MexicoML, Varon; N, Reynoso; JA, Torres; M, Pérez; D, Cantú; JE, Bargallo; MA, Jimenez; M, Arroyo; A, Meneses; S, Aguilar; S, Ortiz; O, Arrieta; LA, Herrera; E, Hawk; S, Chang
2024 Journal of Cancer Education
doi: 10.1007/s13187-024-02525-7pmid: 39446268
Cancer in Mexico is a major public burden for which rates are expected to increase over time. In settings like Mexico, much potential for reduction through cancer prevention efforts remains unrealized, due in part, to a lack of formal cancer prevention and control training and career opportunities. We trained a cadre of instructors to deliver a pilot cancer prevention education program for oncology professionals and leaders. Instructors were oriented to the curriculum and its purpose, given instruction in interactive adult learning techniques using video conferencing tools, and supported by small-group and one-on-one meetings. Throughout this initiative, we learned the importance of mentoring of young professionals interested in cancer prevention and in having careers in the field. Instructors reported highly favorable ratings for participating in training and having high expectations of being recognized as instructors, highlighting the importance of this approach. Strengthening cancer prevention in Mexico rests on the sustainability of cancer prevention professional education programs and their disseminating impact through support of trained instructors to deliver cancer prevention curricula in the future.
Perspectives of an NCI T32 Training Program Designed to Train a Diverse Workforce in Cancer Health Equity ResearchFerguson, Mackenzie A.; Tussing Humphreys, Lisa; Chukwudozie, Ifeanyi Beverly; Wright, Margaret E.; Peterson, Caryn E.; Fitzgibbon, Marian L.; McLeod, Andrew
2024 Journal of Cancer Education
doi: 10.1007/s13187-024-02514-wpmid: 39363144
With cancer health disparities on the rise in the United States (USA), there is an increased need for novel approaches to address these challenges. One such approach that may help address these disparities is increasing diversity in the biomedical research workforce. The Cancer Health Equity and Career Development Program (CHECDP) embodies this approach by recruiting and training underrepresented minorities in cancer research to develop the skills and training needed to be competitive for independent research careers, thus diversifying the biomedical research workforce. The training model that CHECDP employs is unique with its funding through the NCI training mechanism, its strong institutional support, and its participant-driven curriculum. The curriculum includes educational, career, and leadership opportunities that are continuously evaluated for sustained impact. The program has been comprised of mostly under-represented minorities that have been propelled to independent careers with a high rate of funded career development awards. Our T32 program serves as a model of success for other programs seeking to diversify the biomedical research workforce and reduce cancer health disparities.
Competency of Family Medicine Residents in Performing Skin Cancer ExaminationAlFada, Mohammed A.; Alotaibi, Hend; Madani, Abdulaziz; Alshayea, Ibrahim F.; Alodhayani, Abdulaziz A.
2024 Journal of Cancer Education
doi: 10.1007/s13187-024-02530-wpmid: 39443413
Early recognition of skin cancer reduces associated morbidity and improves survival. Most patients with suspicious skin lesions present to family medicine physicians. We aimed to evaluate the self-reported competency of family medicine residents in performing skin cancer examination (SCE) and assess the impact of different factors on their competency. All family medicine residents completed a previously validated questionnaire aimed at evaluating their skin cancer examination competency in this cross-sectional study. In total, 250 residents participated in this study. More than half of the residents never had a rotation in dermatology or received training under the supervision of a dermatologist. Approximately 70%, 72%, and 77% of residents had not observed SCE, received SCE training, and performed SCE, respectively. Although most residents were aware of the risk factors for skin cancer and the ABCD acronym for melanoma, only one out of ten residents screened their patients for these factors, enquired about changes in skin lesions, and personally practiced SCE. Only 16% of family medicine residents consider themselves competent in performing SCE. Training under the guidance of a dermatologist, SCE training, evaluating patients for cancer risk factors and any changes in moles, and SCE practice on personal level were associated with SCE competency. Multivariate analysis showed a significant association between the frequency of observing SCE and competency in performing SCE. Only 16% of family medicine residents considered themselves competent in performing SCE. The frequency of observation of SCE during residency was a significant predictor of self-reported competency in performing SCE.