Students’ of medicine beliefs about treatment of cancer – preliminary report

Background: The aim of this pilot study was to examine beliefs about cancer treatment in a group of medical students, which is a specific group (more concerned about medical issues, but also at the beginning of professional education).

Material and methods: The study involved 77 first year students studying medicine at the Medical University of Gdańsk in the academic year 2012/2013.A questionnaire of our own design was used.

Results: 68% are convinced of untrue statements of incurable cancer. 6% believe that cancer is incurable. Everyone is convinced that the early detection of cancer increases the chance of recovery. 57% of respondents believe that many people die because of lack of modern methods of treatment. 26% believe that many people die from medication errors, but 48% are not sure what the situation is. The majority (87%) disagree with the statement that “if someone is sick with cancer, it is better not tell him/her about it”. 92% of respondents are convinced that mobilization and the “will to live” help in coping with cancer.

Conclusions: First year students of medicine are mostly convinced of untrue statements of incurable cancer. In this group 6% of people believe that cancer is incurable. Most seem to have no confidence in the methods of treatment of cancer. The vast majority believe that patients should be informed about the diagnosis of cancer and are aware of the impact of psychological factors on the process of treatment. Because of the preliminary nature of this report, it is necessary to take further action to explore medical student’s beliefs about cancer.