In Canada, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in females and is thought of as a group of diseases, each with different characteristics, prognoses, and responses to therapies. This course introduces you to breast cancer epidemiology, pathology, screening, diagnosis, and treatment, covering the foundational knowledge you need to provide nursing care to patients with breast cancer and their families. This online course builds 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 breast, and the major groups of lymph nodes that drain the breast
• Describe how the type, grade and biomarker status of breast cancer impacts prognosis and treatment
• Describe the trends in breast cancer incidence and mortality within Canada
• Identify the risk factors associated with developing breast cancer including inherited genetic mutations
• List the prognostic factors that impact breast cancer mortality
• Outline the Canadian breast cancer screening guidelines
• Identify the signs and symptoms of newly diagnosed breast cancer, metastatic breast cancer or locally recurrent breast cancer
• Describe the diagnostic pathway for breast cancer
• Describe the TNM staging system for breast cancer and how an anatomical stage group is assigned
• List the factors considered when choosing breast conserving surgery vs. total mastectomy
• Describe the benefits and risks for sentinel lymph node biopsy and axillary node dissection
• Describe the types of breast reconstruction for females
• Explain the goals of neo-adjuvant, adjuvant and metastatic systemic and radiation therapy for breast cancer in both the early stage and metastatic settings
• Identify the unique aspects of treating triple negative breast cancer
• Describe gene-expression assay testing and its use in the management of early-stage breast cancer
• Describe side effects from surgery, radiation and systemic therapy for breast cancer
• Identify post-treatment nursing considerations for the patient and family after surgery, radiation and systemic therapy
• Describe the recommended follow-up activities post treatment for breast cancer

Course Syllabus

This course consists of three self-directed eLearning modules and a case quiz.

The quiz consists of a case study where you will apply your knowledge to the care of a patient living with breast cancer. The quiz is open-book consisting of 12 questions. You must answer 9/12 questions correctly to achieve a passing grade is 75%. Two attempts are provided.

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: