Oncology Education in the Nigerian Medical Curriculum: A Cross-Sectional Review.

Background: The quality of a physician is arguably related to the depth and quality of medical education received. As cancer devastates the health and economy of developing countries like Nigeria, it becomes increasingly important for physicians in these countries to be equipped with basic knowledge and skill to adequately detect, diagnose, refer and manage common cancers. This study reviewed exposure to oncology training as a component of the medical school's curriculum in Nigeria from the trainee's perspective.

Methodology: In a cross-sectional review of medical students and recent graduates of universities across Nigeria, data were collected using a predesigned tool.

Results: Entries from 228 participants were recorded and analysed. The mean age of study participants was 25.4 ± 2.9 years; 53.1% were female. Respondents were primarily in government-owned medical schools. Over half (55.7%) reported none to minimal oncology exposure during their preclinical classes, 38.6% reported oncology as a distinct clinical rotation in their medical schools and only 44.3% spent time in at least one oncology unit during clinical rotations. The mean duration spent in oncology units was 3.4 weeks.

Conclusion: Doubtless, Nigeria needs more oncology specialists but, it is just as important for even general practitioners to have basic oncology knowledge. This study shows slow exposure to oncology training for medical students, which has contributed to the lack of confidence in treating common cancers seen in Nigeria and low desire among medical students to specialize in oncology. As cancer incidence rises, the need for oncology knowledge in the general physician community is increasingly evident.