Introduction of Basics of Head-and-neck Oncology in MBBS Undergraduate Course Curriculum in India
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Dear Editor, Cancer is a significant public health problem seen worldwide. Among the various types of cancer, head-and-neck cancers constitute an important category of cancer. At present, in our country, specialized head-and-neck cancer care is provided by qualified head-and-neck cancer surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. At the same time, cases of premalignant lesions of the oral cavity and early stage oral cancers, sinonasal tumors, and skull base tumors are also managed by skilled and trained otorhinolaryngologists in medical colleges and NBEMS accredited DNB ear, nose, and throat (ENT) institutes and hospitals. While people living in urban setups have the luxury of visiting an otorhinolaryngologist or head-and-neck cancer surgeon, people in rural setup depend on primary health center (PHC) for their ailments. In such a scenario, the MBBS medical officer of PHC must have the capability of at least correctly diagnosing the case and referring it to the tertiary care center and doing the proper follow up in consultation with a specialist. In case of lack of basic knowledge, the MBBS doctor faces a difficult situation in appropriately dealing with a head-and-neck cancer case. Imparting basic knowledge of head-and-neck oncology in undergraduate MBBS course can be useful. The International Union Against Cancer and WHO hosted a meeting in 1992 in which it was recommended that cancer education be a mandatory part of medical training, covering topics related to epidemiology, prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and palliation.[1,2] Some encouraging strategies have been adopted worldwide to involve medical students in oncology. According to a research article, a virtual oncology elective course was developed for 1st and 2nd year undergraduate medical students who were introduced to different oncology subspecialties. The topics included a virtual panel of oncology specialists, an overview of health disparities in cancer care, cancer care from the patient’s perspective, cancer research, and comprehensive cancer care.[2] According to a research study, head-and-neck cancer screening fairs were organized by medical student volunteers who participated in an otolaryngologist-led training session about head-and-neck cancer and the screening examination. The medical students educated guests about head-and-neck cancer and performed physician-guided history and physical examinations.[3] An undergraduate oncology society- led mentorship program was established in the UK,in which there was recruitment and pairing of oncologist mentors and medical student mentees. The medical students were mentored by medical oncologists, clinical/radiation oncologists, and surgical oncologists.[4] The basics of head-and-neck cancer, including etiology and epidemiology, screening of oral malignant and premalignant lesions, basic evaluation of neck swelling, and indirect laryngoscopy in suspected cases of laryngeal cancer, must be taught at the undergraduate level during MBBS 3rd year in ENT posting. Interested MBBS students may do Indian Council of Medical Research Short Term Studentship on the topics of oral premalignant lesions/oral cancers under the supervision of ENT consultant and ENT postgraduates. MBBS students can participate in activities like World Head-and-Neck Cancer Day, World No Tobacco Day, and Head-and-Neck Cancer Awareness month and create public awareness. Interns should be provided exposure to tobacco cessation clinics and oral cancer screening wherever feasible under the supervision of specialists while being posted in ENT Department during internship. This will help prepare a competent medical graduate who can properly diagnose head-and-neck cancers and premalignant lesions. It is important that the medical officer of the PHC should have some basic idea of head-and-neck cancer from his MBBS course and internship, so that the public can be convinced that they can be guided through a proper cancer protocol if they consult a medical officer in PHC in rural areas. This clinical exposure during MBBS will also provide motivation in becoming a head-and-neck cancer surgeon in the future by undergoing specialty training in ENT (MS ENT/DNB ENT) and subsequently superspecialty training (M.C.H Head-and-Neck Surgical Oncology or Fellowship Head-and-Neck Surgical Oncology). We must ensure that the MBBS doctor plays an important role in connecting the PHC to the national cancer grid of India. The National Cancer Registry must include data from PHCs of India. A competent MBBS graduate will help in proper implementation of the National Tobacco Control Programme and National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke. Amendments must be made in undergraduate syllabus to provide basic idea of head-and-neck oncology with clinical exposure in MBBS after discussion with policymakers in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, National Medical Commission, and National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences. The syllabus for the highly competitive NEET PG entrance test at present and the National Exit Test in the future must include topics of head-and-neck oncology. Education and clinical exposure during undergraduate training, postgraduate training, and superspecialty training will ensure that the best head-and-neck cancer care reaches all citizens of India and fulfillment of the vision of a VIKSIT BHARAT, and the starting point of exposure to basics of head-and-neck oncology must be MBBS. Disclosure This material has never been published and is not currently under evaluation in any other peer reviewed publication. Ethical approval Not applicable. Informed consent Not applicable. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.
Author: Soumick Ranjan Sahoo
Institution: Steel Authority of India Limited
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4411466741