How to pass FRCR Part 1?

The most common question I get is how to study for FRCR Part 1. So here are some pointers.

General recommendations
1. Just sign up for the exam. You won't study until you feel the pain of paying for the exam. Trust me.
2. I recommend attempting all 4 papers at the first attempt, regardless how unprepared you are. There are no formal question bank for you to practice thus attempting the exam is your only way of understanding the depth and breadth of the syllabus. 
3. Go through the syllabus for every subject you are studying. 
https://www.rcr.ac.uk/clinical-oncology/specialty-training/clinical-oncology-curriculum

Molecular biology
1. Most people will start with this subject. Large volume of knowledge to go through. Try to understand the molecular pathways. Lots of memorizing unfortunately but you just have to do it.
2. Recommended books
  - Basic Science of Oncology by Ian Tannock. 5th Ed.
  - Molecular Biology of Cancer by Lauren Pecorino. 3rd Ed.

Radiobiology
1. Took me forever to understand this subject but after going through the materials numerous times, I fell in love with it. Once you get it, it sticks with you forever.
2. Recommended books
   - Radiobiology for the radiologist by Eric Hall.
   - Basic Clinical Radiobiology by Albert J van der Kogel.
   - ASTRO MCQ questions
3. I recommend starting with Eric Hall's book first. In fact some of the molecular biology topics are very well explained in this book. 
4. Molecular biology and radiobiology are tested in 1 paper. Thus depending on your strength and weakness, one subject can help you to score more marks. I personally relied more on radiobiology.
5. Institut Kanser Negara organized a masterclass in radiobiology October last year, not sure if they will organize it again. 

Pharmacology
1. Another subject you need to memorize a lot.
2. Make sure you check the updated list of drugs the RCR is including in the syllabus. It's updated almost yearly. They really do not test you on other drugs beyond the list.
3. Chemotherapy drugs constitute most of the questions but do not forget about basic pharmacology and supportive drugs i.e analgesia, bone targeting agents and anti-nausuea/vomiting.
4. Recommended books
   - Basic Science of Oncology by Ian Tannock. 5th Ed (Many people are surprised but there are in fact 3 chapters of pharmacology in this book)
   - ESMO Handbook on Clinical Pharmacology. https://oncologypro.esmo.org/Education-Library/Handbooks/Clinical-Pharmacology-of-Anti-Cancer-Agents
   - BC Cancer Agency (google BCCA followed by cisplatin, docetaxel, epirucibin etc)
5. UM organizes a yearly pharmacology masterclass usually in March.

Physics
1. Weakness of many, but once you understand the subject, things will make sense.
2. Spend time in the radiotherapy suite and ask your radiographers and physicists about how things work. Dreadful in the beginning but this subject in the basis of your clinical radiotherapy practice.
3. If you can, I recommend attending the Physics course in the Christie Hospital in Manchester, organized in May every year. Cost a bomb but the quality is so good and everything made sense to me after attending the course.
4. Recommended books
   - Physics for Clinical Oncology by Amen Sibtain (orange book)
   - Radiation Oncology Physics: a handbook for teachers and students

Medical statistics
1. Try attending the research methodology and statistics course in your hospital. 
2. Please be equipped with Good Clinical Practice course as early as possible. Understanding of clinical trials is integral in oncology. I am surprised that many who are pursuing oncology have not done the GCP. It is a requirement for conducting investigator-initiated trial and also participating in industry-sponsored clinical trials.
3. Recommended books
   - Medical Statistics at a glance. 
   - The MCQ companion of 'at a glance' book. http://www.medstatsaag.com/mcqs3.asp

Summary
FRCR Part 1 is not an easy examination. But with hard work and perseverance, it can be achieved. Most people I know require 2 attempts to pass all subjects so do not be discouraged if you don't pass all during the first attempt. All the best if you're attempting the exam. May the odds be in your favor.