Description:

Explores causes, classification, diagnosis, detection, spread, and management of cancer. Prerequisite: Acceptance into program.

Outcomes:

After completing this class, students should be able to:

• Define selected statistical terminology.
• Apply statistical analysis to cancer trends and other cancer data.
• Describe the nature of cancer and identify the role genes play in the cause of cancer.
• Describe various systems used to classify cancer and discuss the application of each of system in the management of cancer.
• Compare and contrast the behavioral characteristics of benign and malignant tumors.
• Analyze cancer incidence rates and epidemiological data in terms of such factors as age, gender, ethnicity, geography, prevalence and risk.
• Compare and contrast the methods by which cancer spreads.
• Evaluate the diagnostic tools used in the detection of cancer.
• Discuss the importance of public education and mass screening in the detection of cancer.
• Analyze the goals of curative and palliative management of cancer.
• Describe the principles of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy in cancer management.
• Analyze the role of clinical trials in establishing current treatment methods and possible future cures for cancer.
• Describe the role of radiation therapy in cancer management.