KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF MEDICAL STUDENTS ABOUT RADIOTHERAPY AND PALLIATIVE CARE

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Abstract

Objective: To assess the knowledge of undergraduate medical students about
radiotherapy, cancer and palliative care in cancer. Method: A descriptive study to assess the
knowledge of radiotherapy, cancer and palliative care is conducted among undergraduate
medical students of Dow Medical College. 300 students from each batch of fourth and final year
were assessed for knowledge of radiotherapy, palliative care, cancer knowledge, cancer
prevention, students’ visits to radiotherapy units, source of cancer information, teaching
programs of radiotherapy in medical college, choice of career and participation in palliative care
course during their undergraduate years. Results: 246 questionnaires were returned. 41% of
students correctly answered to different questions related to the knowledge about radiotherapy.
Data regarding cancer treatment knowledge among students showed an average of 32%. The
general knowledge regarding cancer among the students was present in approximately twothirds
(60%) of participants. The knowledge regarding cancer prevention prevailed around
36.04%. Conclusions: There is a need to change the perception of palliative care and radiation
therapy among medical students. Teaching of radiotherapy should begin early in the
undergraduate curriculum of MBBS, and it should be mandatory for all the students. Oncology
rotations should be constructed where the principles of radiotherapy and palliative care can be
conveyed.