title: First contact physicians and retinoblastoma in Mexico.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Early detection and timely referral are keys to improve survival in patients with retinoblastoma (Rb). In México, one of the main obstacles for an early diagnosis is the lack of knowledge of the disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate Rb comprehension in students in their last year of medical school.
  
  
  METHODS
  A questionnaire was completed by 791 students from 12 universities. Descriptive statistics from the population were obtained and every answer to each question was analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Only 3.3% of the students got a proficiency grade. Less than 50% diagnosed Rb when an image was shown.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The students evaluated do not have the knowledge to detect the disease. It is necessary to develop continuous educational programs for first contact physicians.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology, Instituto Nacional de Pediatria, DF, Mexico. carlos.leal@oncoped.com
authors.forename: Carlos A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Leal-Leal
authors.forename: Hector
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Dilliz-Nava
authors.forename: Martha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Flores-Rojo
authors.forename: Julieta
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Robles-Castro
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico; D010820:Physicians; D019572:Retinal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012175:Retinoblastoma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013337:Students, Medical