[Education of oncology specialists--towards a high standard of oncology in Japan].

Major advances in cancer research, remarkable progress in cancer management and the rapid increase of cancer incidence force public attention upon the unsetted education system of oncology specialists, in Japan. Despite the well-recognized importance of education, very few formal training programs have been established due to little collaboration among many specialties. Cancer patients and their families require the best care and support through the entire process, and optimal treatment for patients cannot be provided without an oncology health care team that includes various specialists such as medical-, radiation-, and surgical oncologists, among other professionals. The increasing demands of oncology experts promote the establishment of a nationwide education system of various oncology subspecialties, and the urgent requirement for rapid improvement has brought about a unique primary certification system for oncology, Gann-chiryou Ninnteii: This system provides education for candidates in basic principles common to management and treatment of malignant diseases, which can enhance the quality of oncology care. Educational programs for various oncology subspecialties such as drug and radiation, and palliative medicine, are also rapidly developing in Japan, but many obstacles remain. A wide variation is still found among the different oncology subspecialties regarding the requirements of such training programs including admission requirements to the programs and the training duration. For clinical oncology disciplines in Japan, the final destination and the most effective way to the goal were discussed by introducing the special circumstances and latest status.