An international online survey to improve training in geriatric oncology for undergraduates: Trainees´ interests and preferred teaching strategies

Background Age is a critical driver of the worldwide increasing cancer incidence rates, and with the growing number of older adults diagnosed with cancer, there is a rising need for specialized care. However, geriatric oncology (GO) education remains underrepresented in medical curricula. The gap between demand and adequately trained providers requires the development of more robust GO training programs. This study examined the current state of GO education, and the areas of interest within GO and the preferred teaching methods for this specialized content. Methods A multi-center international online survey aimed at assessing the awareness and perceived significance of GO among early-career medical students and nursing trainees were conducted. Results There was a significant lack of awareness of GO among trainees in the early years of their professional education (56%) and a scarcity of GO content allocation in geriatrics curricula, with 84% of participants receiving less than 20% of their geriatrics education focused on GO. Despite this, most trainees recognized the potential of GO to enhance patient care, particularly in improving the quality of life (QoL; 81%), optimizing therapeutic strategies (65%), and reducing treatment toxicity (55%). Key areas of interest among trainees included mental health, quality of life, and palliative care. Additionally, seminars and bedside teaching were identified as preferred methods for learning GO content. Conclusion This survey highlights the need for better GO education, emphasizing curricular integration and interactive teaching. Trainees seek more exposure, and findings can guide the development of effective GO curricula for older adults with cancer.