Oncology as a Career Path: A Nationwide Study of Nigerian Medical Students’ Perspectives and Career Interests

Abstract Background Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality globally, with low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria facing high mortality-to-incidence ratios partly due to limited oncology specialist availability. Understanding medical students’ perceptions and interest in oncology is essential for strengthening human resources in oncology. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and factors influencing Nigerian medical students’ interest in pursuing oncology as a career. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among clinical-year medical students across Nigerian medical schools in the 6 geopolitical zones to evaluate their knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, interest, and factors influencing oncology as a career choice. Data were collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results A total of 531 respondents participated, with 55.6% female and a mean age of 23.4 years. Although more than 75% were aware of oncology sub-specialties, only 29.2% knew of training programs within their institutions. Overall, 59% had a positive attitude toward oncology, yet only 36.3% expressed high interest and 25% indicated a strong likelihood of pursuing the field. Key facilitators of interest included mentorship (62.0%), research opportunities (62.1%), and Influence of role models (62%) whereas barriers included long training duration (64.2%) and difficulty securing residency (58.9%). Multivariate analysis identified higher knowledge (p = 0.003), positive attitude (p = 0.006), and family history of cancer (p = 0.020) as significant predictors of oncology career interest. Conclusion Nigerian medical students demonstrate moderate interest in oncology, influenced by knowledge, personal experience, and educational exposure. Addressing barriers, enhancing oncology education, and strengthening mentorship could foster greater interest to help mitigate the oncology workforce shortage. These findings underscore the need for sustained, targeted interventions to support the development of a robust oncology workforce in Nigeria.