The relationship between medical students’ knowledge, confidence, experience, and skills related to colorectal cancer screening

Background. Medical student colorectal cancer prevention education is crucial to improving cancer screening rates. Methods. We surveyed 146 medical students about their knowledge, confidence, and experience with colorectal cancer screening. We then used a multivariate general linear model to assess the relationships between these variables and colorectal cancer screening skills as measured in a standardized patient evaluation. Results. Type and amount of experience providing colorectal cancer screening counseling predicted student performance in the standardized patient encounter, although knowledge and confidence did not. Conclusions. Increased practice performing cancer screening may improve medical students’ ability to implement cancer prevention strategies with patients.