Work

From Digital Access to Global Impact: A Virtual Oncology Education Model for Reducing Cancer Knowledge Disparities

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE Global inequities in oncology education remain a major barrier to high-quality cancer care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where access to expert-led educational infrastructure is often limited. Simultaneously, social media has become a dominant source of cancer-related information, despite substantial concerns regarding misinformation. We evaluated the global impact of MedNews Week (MNW), a free virtual oncology education platform designed to expand equitable access to evidence-based cancer education while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and gender inclusivity. METHODS From January 2022 through June 2025, MNW hosted 100 live keynote sessions featuring 50 internationally recognized oncology leaders across hematologic malignancies, solid tumors, survivorship, supportive care, and emerging therapeutics. Sessions were distributed through multiple open-access digital platforms including Twitter/X, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Clubhouse. Program reach and engagement were assessed using platform analytics and Symplur network analysis. Metrics included impressions, shares, comments, reposts, audience demographics, geographic distribution, and participation growth over time. Speaker representation by gender and specialty was also evaluated. RESULTS MNW reached participants across 100 countries, including 44 LMICs, with cumulative engagement exceeding 743,000 individuals composed of healthcare professionals, trainees, patients, caregivers, and advocates. On Twitter/X, the platform ranked within the top 0.07 percentile of healthcare influencers globally, generating over 20,000 tweets, 6,800 reposts, and more than 100 million impressions. Participation increased more than tenfold during the study period, with accelerated expansion observed in underserved regions. Gender parity was achieved among faculty speakers, with equivalent audience engagement across male and female presenters. Network analysis demonstrated substantial amplification beyond moderators and faculty, reflecting dissemination of evidence-based oncology content into broader professional and patient communities. CONCLUSION MNW demonstrates that scalable, technology-enabled oncology education can reduce barriers related to geography, institutional access, and financial limitations while supporting equitable dissemination of evidence-based cancer knowledge globally. The platform’s measurable growth across LMICs, sustained interdisciplinary engagement, and gender-equitable representation highlight the potential of virtual education initiatives to strengthen global oncology capacity, counter misinformation, and promote more inclusive cancer education ecosystems. These findings support digital oncology education platforms as scalable implementation strategies for advancing global cancer control.

Source: JCO Global Oncology

DOI: 10.1200/go-26-52000