Bridging the gap: integrating cardio-oncology education into the undergraduate medical curriculum

Introduction Cardio-oncology is a rapidly evolving subspecialty at the interface of cardiovascular and cancer medicine. As advances in cancer therapy continue to improve survival outcomes, the burden of treatment-induced cardiovascular toxicities has risen substantially, creating a mounting demand for expert interdisciplinary cardio-oncology care. Despite this, little is known about the inclusion of cardio-oncology within undergraduate medical education in the UK. This study evaluates the current representation of cardio-oncology within the UK medical curriculum and explores medical students’ awareness, understanding and interest in this dynamic emerging discipline. Methods An eight-question national electronic survey was distributed to medical students across the UK to evaluate the presence of cardio-oncology within undergraduate medical education. The survey captured demographic details, as well as data on students’ awareness of cancer therapy–related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD), exposure to cardio-oncology teaching and attitudes toward curricular expansion in this domain. A total of 144 responses were obtained from students representing 21 geographically diverse medical schools across the UK. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed to identify trends in awareness, teaching exposure and student perspectives. Results Findings revealed a conspicuous absence of structured cardio-oncology teaching across UK undergraduate medical programmes. Almost 96% of respondents (n = 138) reported no formal teaching or dedicated module on cardio-oncology. Despite this gap, the majority expressed high interest in further education within this field: 92% (n = 133) agreed or strongly agreed that cardio-oncology teaching should be integrated into their curriculum. Furthermore, students demonstrated limited baseline understanding of CTRCD and related clinical principles yet consistently recognised the importance of cardio-oncology approaches to managing cancer patients at risk of cardiovascular complications. Conclusions This national survey highlights a significant and widespread deficiency in undergraduate cardio-oncology education across UK medical schools. Given the rising prevalence of cancer therapy-induced cardiotoxicity, the absence of structured education in this field may potentially risk producing clinicians ill-equipped to address the complex cardiovascular needs of cancer survivors. Systematic integration of cardio-oncology into the undergraduate curriculum - through lectures, case-based teaching and early clinical exposure where possible - would cultivate a generation of doctors with a robust understanding of oncotherapy-induced cardiotoxicities and the enduring dual burden of cardiovascular disease and cancer survivorship, equipping future doctors with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for delivering evidence-based, patient-centred care for this complex patient population.