The Awareness of Senior Medical Students of Radiation Oncology

Authors : Timur Koca, Yasemin Şengün, Rahmi Atıl Aksoy, Aylin Fidan Korcum

Pages : 108-116

Doi:10.25282/ted.1709732

View : 56 | Download : 134

Publication Date : 2025-12-22

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aim: This study aims to evaluate the adequacy of radiation oncology (RO) education in the undergraduate medical curriculum and its impact on the knowledge, perceptions, and clinical readiness of senior medical students. Given the increasing global cancer burden and the central role of radiotherapy in cancer treatment, the inclusion of RO education in medical training is vital for effective patient care. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2019 and February 2020 with 60 senior medical students (aged 23–28 years; median age: 23.95) to assess their knowledge of RO. Of the participants, 31 (51.7%) were female and 29 (48.3%) were male. The remaining time until graduation ranged from 1 to 11 months (median: 7 months). Data were collected using a 25-item survey designed by the Radiation Oncology Core Working Group. The survey aimed to evaluate students’ understanding of radiotherapy indications, perceptions of the RO curriculum, and competence in managing oncological patients. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square tests. Results: The findings revealed a considerable knowledge gap in RO. A total of 55% of students had not attended any RO course during their education, and only one participant had engaged in RO-related academic events. More than half (55%) believed that patients emit radiation after external beam radiotherapy, and 71.7% were unaware of emergency indications for radiotherapy. Additionally, misconceptions about the treatment of benign conditions with radiotherapy and the role of radiation oncologists were evident. Students who had attended RO training demonstrated significantly better knowledge in areas such as neoadjuvant treatment for rectal and testicular cancers (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The study highlights an urgent need to enhance RO education within the medical curriculum. Inadequate knowledge about radiotherapy indications and side effects may impair appropriate patient management and lead to potential legal and clinical consequences. Implementing a structured and comprehensive RO curriculum—supplemented by e-learning, seminars, symposiums, and summer schools—can improve student competence and awareness. These strategies are essential for preparing future physicians to contribute effectively to multidisciplinary cancer care.
Keywords : son sınıf tıp öğrencileri, radyasyon onkolojisi, bilgi

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