This paper is a review of the literature examining the use of medical simulations to teach our future healthcare providers how to diagnose breast cancer. MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched to identify the literature published between 1990 and 2014. In total, 113 articles were retrieved and evaluated for their relevance to the topic. Simulation methods, such as standardized patients and breast models were found to enhance students' abilities to perform patient histories and physical examinations to detect breast cancer. In addition, simulation can help trainees learn how to communicate bad news to patients effectively. There is an abundance of literature supporting the continued use of simulations in the curricula of medical schools. However, future studies based on sound theoretical frameworks are needed to evaluate the positive effects of simulation-based education on patient outcomes.
Breast ; Breast Neoplasms* ; Curriculum ; Education ; Health Personnel ; Humans ; Patient Simulation ; Physical Examination* ; Schools, Medical

Purpose: To determine whether smoking status (active/passive) affects recurrence events after breast cancer (BC) diagnosis among women. Methods: A comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases on smoking status and BC outcomes retrieved 5,940 articles. After reviewing the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we selected 14 articles for a full review and synthesis. Results: Five studies were cohort retrospective, 6 were case-control, 2 were prospective cohort studies, and 1 was a secondary analysis of a randomized control trial. Among the 8 articles that focused on active smoking, 6 showed an increased risk of BC recurrence, and 2 showed no evidence of such an association. Studies that examined former smokers found little evidence of an increased risk of BC recurrence. This association may be dose-dependent. Conclusion Given the current evidence, although limited, active smokers should quit smoking after BC diagnosis as trends indicate a positive association between active smoking and BC recurrence. More robust evidence is needed to assess such associations and examine the outcomes of quitting smoking in such patients.