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Educating physician assistants as agents in cancer control: Issues and opportunities

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Abstract

Background. Lifestyle factors (eg, smoking, diet) and compliance with screening recommendations play a role in cancer risk, and emerging technologies (eg, new vaccines, genetic testing) hold promise for improved risk management.Methods. However, optimal outcomes from cancer control efforts require better preparation of health professionals in risk assessment, risk communication, and implementing health behavioral change strategies that are vitally important to cancer control.Results and Conclusion. Although physician assistants (PAs) are substantively engaged in cancer-related service delivery in primary care settings, few models exist to facilitate integration of cancer control learning experiences into the curricula used in intense, fast-paced, 24- to 30-month PA training programs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Allied Health Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, MS BCM 115, 77030, Houston, TX

    Quentin W. Smith MS, Carl E. Fasser BA, PA, Laurel R. Spence MS, PA-C, Robert J. McLaughlin PhD & J. David Holcomb EDD (Senior Vice President and Dean)

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  1. Quentin W. Smith MS
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  2. Carl E. Fasser BA, PA
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  3. Laurel R. Spence MS, PA-C
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Correspondence to J. David Holcomb EDD.

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Supported in part by the National Cancer Institute (Grant 1R25CA109743-01A2)

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Smith, Q.W., Fasser, C.E., Spence, L.R. et al. Educating physician assistants as agents in cancer control: Issues and opportunities. J Canc Educ 22, 227 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03174121

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