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On successful completion of this module and a period of personal study the student will:
- Have a clear understanding of the basic biology and physiology of the cell and how this becomes aberrant to cause cancer.
- Be familiar with the scientific jargon commonly used and be proficient in application and communication through this terminology to healthcare professionals and in translation and explanation in lay terms to educate/offer explanations to people with cancer and their close others in clinical and community settings; for example to apply these skills to explanations of cancer treatments and side effects/genetic counselling.
- Understand diagnostic, prognostic and treatment challenges (understand why things work/don’t work) and the process by which new research advances are undertaken and applied in the clinic.
- Be familiar with the major treatments for cancer (drug, radiation, biological and surgery), their effects and side effects; be skilled in explaining the implications of participation in clinical trials to patients and healthcare professionals.
- Understand the implications of current and future technology for patient management and care.
- Be aware of the central nature of honesty in communication with patients and their families.
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- Scientific models and theories of the biochemical, molecular, genetic, epigenetic and environmental origins of cancer.
- Treatment guidelines and decision trees associated with the major common forms of cancer, e.g. breast, lung, prostate and haematological malignancies, and how these are impacted by the molecular origins of these diseases.
- General standard staging criteria for the major forms of cancer, what these stages mean in terms of the state of the disease in the body and their consequences for the patient.
- Diagnostic, prognostic and predictive tools applied in cancer treatment.
- General texts on the common morbidities and co-morbidities directly and indirectly associated with cancer.
- Models of challenges in cancer treatment, how tumours can resist and overcome the various forms of therapy available.
Emerging trends in cancer research, diagnosis and treatment.
- Communications knowledge and skills appropriate to the transfer of oncology terminology in professional and lay terms for healthcare professionals to educate/offer effective and clear explanations to people with cancer and their close others in clinical and community settings re understanding cancer/treatments/interventions/prevention.
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Indicative Reading:
Core Reading:
Alison M.R & Sarraf C.E. Understanding Cancer: From Basic Science to Clinical Practice. New York: Cambridge University Press (1997)
Devito, J (2008) Human Communication The Basic Course. New York: Addison Wesley Longman
Fallowfield, L, Jenkins,V. Communication with patients with cancer: Teaching series: ‘Clinical Trials’
Moore,R, Spiegel, D (2004) Cancer, Culture and Communication. New York: Kluwer Plenun
Ruddon R.W. (2007) Cancer Biology. New York: Oxford University Press (
Surbone, A. & Zwitter, M. (Eds) (1997) Communication with the Cancer Patient: Information and Truth. New York: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences.
Tannock I.F. et al. (2004) The Basic Science of Oncology 4th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Professional.
Supplementary reference text:
McKinnell R. G. et al. The Biological Basis of Cancer New york: Cambridge University Press (1998)
DeVita, Hellman, and Rosenberg (2008) Principles & Practice of Oncology 8th ed. Philadelphia : Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Web-based general reference material
http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/PPI/default.htm
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp
http://www.cancer.net/portal/site/patient/
http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Home
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/understandingcancer/cancer
NCCN, IPOS, APOS, NCI
Recommended Journals:
- Nature Reviews Cancer.
- European Journal of Cancer.
- Psycho-Oncology.
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