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The Royal Marsden School

Fundamentals in Cancer Care

Cost

£1350

Delivery method

Fully On-line

Length of module

It runs over approximately 12 weeks

Estimated hours of study

200 hours

Academic credits and level

20 credits at level 6 or 7

Entry requirements

The learner will be a healthcare professional currently working with People Affected by Cancer (PABC)

Course availability

Apply now

Course summary

It is thought that 1 in 2 people in the UK will have cancer at some point in their lifetime (NHS 2019) and that 38% of cancer diagnosis are directly attributable to lifestyle (CRUK, 2022).  
Even if not directly working with People Affected by Cancer (PABC), our Nurses and Allied Health professionals (AHP) are likely to look after those who have been affected by cancer, and our specialist and non-specialist healthcare professionals potentially can have a profound impact on the PABC experience of cancer care. 

This module will provide learners with an overall introduction to cancer care and the impact the disease has on people affected by cancer (PABC). It aims to equip those practitioners who want to advance their practice in cancer by focusing on evidence-based, ethical, and personalised knowledge and skills. The module learning outcomes are aligned to current cancer education frameworks (RCN 2022, EONS 2018, and Macmillan, 2019) as well as the four pillars of Advanced Clinical Practice (HEE, 2017). 

This module aims to provide an overview of the continuum of cancer care from the prevention and early diagnosis of cancer through to advanced disease and end of life. It is suitable for all nurses and Allied Healthcare Practitioners who either want to develop their general cancer knowledge or who are working at or towards specialist roles in cancer.

 Very good module, well taught, well-paced and has definitely improved my knowledge 

Student quote

This module is in association with: Current UEA Logo 2023

Key topics

  • Risk reduction, early detection and health promotion in cancer care
  • Cancer pathophysiology and the principles of treatment decision making
  • Cancer treatment, patient and occupational safety
  • Supporting people living with and beyond cancer
  • Supporting people with advanced disease and the end of life
  • Communication in cancer care 
  • Leadership and management in cancer nursing
  • Research utilization and evidence in cancer care

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module at Level 6 you should be able to demonstrate achievement of the following learning outcomes:

  • Assess the current cancer landscape and how policies and guidelines can impact PABC and cancer services
  • Define the biology of cancer and the principles of prevention, risk reduction, early detection, diagnosis, staging and grading
  • Identify and explain the different treatment modalities and their rationale, and how they may impact PABC
  • Critically analyse the physical, emotional, and social impact of cancer and the role of supportive, and personalised care
  • Critically reflect on your own professional role and development as part of the multi-professional team in caring for PABC

On successful completion of the module at Level 7 you should be able to demonstrate achievement of the following learning outcomes:

  • Critically evaluate the current cancer landscape, and how policies and guidelines can impact PABC and cancer services
  • Examine the biology of cancer and apply this to the principles of prevention, risk reduction, early detection, diagnosis, staging and grading
  • Critically appraise the different treatment modalities and their rationale and analyse their impact on PABC
  • Critically evaluate the physical, emotional, and social impact of cancer and the role of supportive, and personalised care
  • Critically reflect on your own professional role and development in caring for PABC as part of the multi-professional team and consider how this may enhance care and the provision of cancer services

Dates

Course 1

On-line live interactive sessions on: 12, 19, 26  November and 3 December 2024
Submission date: 29 January 2025

Course 2

On-line live interactive sessions on: 27 February, 6, 13 and 20 March 2025
Submission date: 14 May 2025

Course 3

On-line live interactive sessions on: 12, 19, 28 May and 2 June 2025
Submission date: 29 July 2025

Assessment

Level 6: Reflective assignment: 2,000 Words
Level 7: Reflective assignment: 3,000 Words

Student support

Tutorials with the module leader or personal tutor are available if students require additional help with the planning and writing of their assignments. Email and telephone support are also available from the module leader/personal tutor.

The Royal Marsden School uses an online environment called Moodle which students must access during their studies to support and enhance our courses. The site provides resources and communication tools. All students will be provided with a username and password to access module specific sections as well as general learning support such as study skills and library resources. Students also have access to the David Adams Library and Electronic Resource Centre. 

To get the best from the live video-conferencing sessions and enable you to participate fully you should have access to a computer or laptop with a camera and microphone. If you have any concerns or need help, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Related pathways

This stand-alone module also forms part of these pathways:

Entry Requirements

Please view the Admissions Policy before applying.