ABSTRACT
To assess the knowledge of undergraduate medical students about radiotherapy, cancer and palliative care in cancer. A descriptive study to assess the knowledge of radiotherapy, cancer and palliative care is conducted among undergraduate medical students of Dow Medical College. 300 students from each batch of fourth and final year were assessed for knowledge of radiotherapy, palliative care, cancer knowledge, cancer prevention, students' visits to radiotherapy units, source of cancer information, teaching programs of radiotherapy in medical college, choice of career and participation in palliative care course during their undergraduate years. 246 questionnaires were returned. 41% of students correctly answered to different questions related to the knowledge about radiotherapy. Data regarding cancer treatment knowledge among students showed an average of 32%. The general knowledge regarding cancer among the students was present in approximately two thirds [60%] of participants. The knowledge regarding cancer prevention prevailed around 36.04%. There is a need to change the perception of palliative care and radiation therapy among medical students. Teaching of radiotherapy should begin early in the undergraduate curriculum of MBBS, and it should be mandatory for all the students. Oncology rotations should be constructed where the principles of radiotherapy and palliative care can be conveyed
ABSTRACT
To assess the risk factors for breast cancer in patients attending oncology OPD of civil hospital Karachi, Pakistan. Introduction: Breast cancer is the single largest cause of death among women1,2. The probability of American woman developing breast cancer in their life is 7 in 11. Studies from subcontinent show that the incidence of breast cancer is increasing, with an estimated 80,000 new cases diagnosed annually. Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer after lung cancer in Pakistan and ranked first in women. Only 10% women are diagnosed, out of them, 75% women do not get treatment and die within 5 years6. Data from Pakistan about the risk factors or association is not only scanty but also does not comment on the use of fatty diet in breast cancer patients. A cross-sectional descriptive study conducted at Oncology OPD of civil hospital Karachi [CHK] from October 2009 -April 2011. One Hundred and Fifty consecutive patients having histopathalogical diagnosis of breast cancer were assessed for different risk factors that included marital status, parity, age, menopausal status, family history of breast cancer, prolong use of oral contraceptives, breast feeding, , early menarche, trauma to the breast and fatty diet. Mean age of patients was 48 years. Three fourth [73%] of these female were above the age of 40 years. Consumption of fatty diet was found in 62.67% while positive family history of breast cancer was present in 34% of the cases. Early menarche and being nulliparous were not as strong risk factors as in previous studies. Our study has highlighted the need of further exploration in this area that would not only help this population but also enhance our understanding of different risk factors. This will have important implications for the overall management of breast cancer