Background: Kenya faces a rising cancer burden amid a critical shortage of oncology professionals. Undergraduate exposure, knowledge and attitudes shape specialty choices, yet local evidence remains scarce. This study assessed baseline knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of oncology among final-year medical students in Kenya to inform curriculum development, mentorship and workforce planning.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional online survey was conducted among final-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery students across accredited Kenyan medical schools between April and May 2025. A structured Qualtrics questionnaire assessed sociodemographics, career intentions, oncology knowledge and exposure and attitudes toward oncology. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. Ethical approval was obtained from the Mount Kenya University Ethics Review Committee (MKU/ISERC/5342).
Results: Of 89 responses, 88 were analysed. Participants were equally male and female (50% each), with a mean age of 25 years. Most respondents were from the University of Nairobi (73%), followed by Moi University (17%) and other institutions. Seventy-seven percent reported a close friend or relative diagnosed with cancer. Community responses were mainly supportive (60%), though 32% viewed cancer as a ‘death sentence’ and 8% reported stigma or avoidance. Personal or family experience shaped perceptions for 61% and 81% cited cultural beliefs as influencing community reactions. Seventy-three percent had completed an oncology rotation, but only 30% attended oncology-focused workshops. Over half (53%) were unsure of cancer incidence in Kenya. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy were the most recognised treatments, with limited awareness of immunotherapy. Eighty-six percent agreed that oncology training should be strengthened. While 84% knew oncology is a recognised specialty in Kenya, only 42% were aware of local postgraduate programs. Most rated the undergraduate oncology curriculum as ‘average’ (42%). Twenty-five percent would consider oncology as a career, 51% were undecided and 24% would not. Motivators included clinical exposure and patient outcomes; deterrents were emotional burden, lack of mentorship, patient suffering and poor work–life balance. Suggested strategies included increased clinical exposure, structured mentorship, expanded residency slots and targeted incentives.
Conclusion: Final-year Kenyan medical students acknowledge oncology as a career but face significant knowledge and exposure gaps. Strengthening undergraduate oncology education, expanding mentorship opportunities and creating clear postgraduate pathways are key to building a robust, homegrown oncology workforce in Kenya.
