The characteristics and training of professionals in cancer prevention and control: A survey of the American Society for Preventive Oncology

Abstract

To secure continuous stewardship in the field of cancer prevention requires in part training the next generation of scientists and practitioners effectively. We characterized members and meeting registrants of the American Society for Preventive Oncology and assessed their career needs using an electronic survey. From 380 valid email addresses, 233 respondents (61%) included 143 physicians and 81 respondents with other doctorates. More than one third worked at cancer centers (36%), while others worked at schools of medicine (25%) and public health (17%) and other institutions and businesses (22%). Among all respondents, 52% reported having at least one mentor but time spent advising by mentors was generally low. Many were less than satisfied with the amount of mentoring received (44%) and 52% reported interest in matching with an American Society for Preventive Oncology mentor. All were interested in grantsmanship training but junior and senior respondents differed in their preference for other topics, reflecting needs that change with career advancement. Other analyses focused on aspects of institutional commitment, which did not differ by type of degree, even after age adjustment. However, by gender and degree, men were completely supported by institutional funds more often than women among non-medical doctorates [age-adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 3.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1-9.81 but not among physicians (age-adjusted OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 0.5-3.1). Men were also more often in tenure-track positions than women (age-adjusted OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.1-3.3). In sum, addressing the career development needs of future leaders in the field by providing career and mentoring sessions at annual meetings may help individuals in the field and enrich the discipline overall.