Educating physician assistants as agents in cancer control: issues and opportunities.
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Smith
Quentin W
QW
Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
Fasser
Carl E
CE
Spence
Laurel R
LR
McLaughlin
Robert J
RJ
Holcomb
J David
JD
D001294:Attitude to Health; D003479:Curriculum; D004521:Educational Measurement; D004522:Educational Status; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010823:Physician Assistants / Q000193:education*; D011320:Primary Health Care; D024382:Professional Role; D016730:Program Development; D012307:Risk Factors