Since the introduction of the HPV vaccine alongside organized screening programs, cervical cancer is now one of the most preventable cancers in Canada. Cervical cancer is also curable if caught early and treated. While cervical cancer is rare in high-income countries like Canada, globally, cervical cancer is the third most common cancer in women. Additionally, within Canada, the incidence of cervical cancer remains higher in some marginalized populations. This course will introduce you to the anatomy of the cervix, as well as cervical cancer epidemiology, pathology, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, covering the foundational knowledge you need to provide nursing care to patients with cervical cancer, as well as education about cervical cancer prevention to patients at risk. This online course will build on what you learned in Foundations of Oncology Nursing Practice or Cancer Care Basics. 

Course Objectives 

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Locate the gross anatomical features of the cervix and explain the clinical significance of the squamocolumnar junction (SCJ) and transformation zone of the cervix.
• Explain the relationship between high-risk Human Papilloma Virus (HR-HPV) infection and cervical cancer development.
• Describe the trends in cervical cancer incidence in Canada and globally.
• Teach patients strategies for lowering their risk of HPV infection and cervical cancer development.
• Identify the prognostic factors that put a person at higher risk of dying from cervical cancer.
• Identify people eligible for the HPV vaccine, and explain the Canadian cervical cancer screening guidelines.
• Describe the general diagnostic pathway for cervical cancer, and describe the specific diagnostic procedures, including colposcopy and biopsy methods.
• Describe the FIGO staging system for cervical cancer.
• Describe the use of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy for each stage of cervical cancer, including fertility-sparing and non-fertility-sparing options.
• Describe the recommended follow-up care plan for a patient who has finished treatment, and recognize the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer recurrence.

Course Syllabus

This course consists of two self-directed eLearning modules and a final quiz.

The final quiz consists of a case study where you will apply your knowledge to the care of a particular patient living with cervical cancer. The quiz is open-book and a passing grade is 75%.

Although you can complete the various components of the course at your own pace, the course must be completed within 6 weeks from the time you register for the course.

Download the full Course Syllabus

Eligibility

Available to all regulated health care professionals working along the cancer care continuum.

Payment must be received before you have access to the course. For more information, please visit our Cancellation & No Show Policy.

Participants can pay for this course online with a credit card, or send a cheque to: