Knowledge of healthcare workers in the domain of oncogenetics

Abstract

BackgroundCancer is the second leading cause of mortality globally. 5-10% of cancer cases involve a genetic factor. Oncogenetics studies the role of genetic mutations in the development of cancer and plays a crucial role in understanding cancer pathogenesis and developing targeted therapies. Despite the critical nature of this field, the knowledge level among healthcare workers regarding oncogenetics, particularly in breast cancer, remains underexplored. ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the knowledge of healthcare workers in oncogenetics, with a specific focus on breast cancer, to identify gaps and potential areas for educational intervention. MethodsA cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted at a University Hospital. A questionnaire consisting of general and breast cancer-specific oncogenetics questions was distributed to nurses, medical interns, residents, and doctors. Responses were scored and analyzed to potentially identify statistically significant differences based on professional roles and experience. Results184 answers were recorded from which 89.67% confirmed familiarity with the term oncogenetics. Medical interns, residents, and doctors demonstrated significantly higher knowledge compared to nurses (p<0.001). The average scores indicated better general oncogenetics knowledge (mean=4.83/6) than breast cancer-specific knowledge (mean=3.77/6). Familiarity with oncogenetics correlated with higher scores across both sections (p<0.001). Notably, male participants outperformed females in breast cancer oncogenetics (p=0.02). ConclusionHealthcare workers displayed a satisfactory general knowledge of oncogenetics but showed significant gaps in breast cancer-specific knowledge. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational programs to enhance oncogenetics competency among healthcare workers, ensuring improved patient care. Future studies should evaluate the impact of such educational interventions on healthcare workers knowledge and practice.