Cancer Treatment Modalities

Deepen your understanding of cancer and the various conventional and complementary treatments. Explore the physical and emotional effects of treatments on the individual and their families, and how these impact on quality of life. Learn to manage site-specific tumours. Consider the relationship between treatment and ethics.

One in 3 people will develop cancer in their lifetime, according to the World Health Organisation, and our ageing population means that the incidence of cancer is increasing. This means that more and more healthcare professionals will need to understand cancer and how it can be treated.

This course is designed to enhance the skills of those who work in an oncology in-patient setting, as well as any practice nurses and community nursing staff who care for patients receiving cancer treatment.

You’ll look at cancer therapies and their effect on patient physiology and immunology, as well as quality of life. You’ll also consider the effect of cancer on fertility. You’ll explore a number of site-specific tumours, evaluating the impact of treatment on patients and their families. Treatment regimens are also examined within the framework of ethical theory.

Programme content

• Understanding the principles of cancer therapies
• Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, biotherapies & surgery
• The effects of treatment on the individual
• Complementary therapies
• Ethical theories
• Clinical research trials (informed consent, quality of life)
• The management of some site-specific cancers

Locations
You’ll be required to attend all sessions at both our Cambridge and Chelmsford campuses.

How you’ll learn
Teaching is delivered via lectures, seminars and discussions, and you’ll also be encouraged to manage your own learning. The course encourages experiential learning.

Assessment
You’ll be assessed through a 4,000-word reflective case-study based on some of the modules, as well as a learning contract to demonstrate your understanding of the remaining modules.