KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF MEDICAL STUDENTS ABOUT RADIOTHERAPY AND PALLIATIVE CARE

Abstract

Objective: To assess the knowledge of undergraduate medical students aboutradiotherapy, cancer and palliative care in cancer. Method: A descriptive study to assess theknowledge of radiotherapy, cancer and palliative care is conducted among undergraduatemedical students of Dow Medical College. 300 students from each batch of fourth and final yearwere assessed for knowledge of radiotherapy, palliative care, cancer knowledge, cancerprevention, students’ visits to radiotherapy units, source of cancer information, teachingprograms of radiotherapy in medical college, choice of career and participation in palliative carecourse during their undergraduate years. Results: 246 questionnaires were returned. 41% ofstudents correctly answered to different questions related to the knowledge about radiotherapy.Data regarding cancer treatment knowledge among students showed an average of 32%. Thegeneral knowledge regarding cancer among the students was present in approximately twothirds(60%) of participants. The knowledge regarding cancer prevention prevailed around36.04%. Conclusions: There is a need to change the perception of palliative care and radiationtherapy among medical students. Teaching of radiotherapy should begin early in theundergraduate curriculum of MBBS, and it should be mandatory for all the students. Oncologyrotations should be constructed where the principles of radiotherapy and palliative care can beconveyed.