Download Cancer Prevention: A New Way of Life

Experimental Course Proposal
A. KIN XXX: Cancer Prevention: A New Way of Life
 Department: Kinesiology
 Title: Cancer Prevention: A New Way of Life
 Number of Contact Hours: 3x/week (65 minute sessions)
 Duration: 15 weeks
 Course Credit: 1
 Course Information:
i. Course Description:
 This course explores the epidemiology of cancer, assesses family health
history, and the impact of lifestyle choices to determine cancer risks. Topics
include common cancers, risk factors for developing cancer, trends in
incidence/prevalence of various cancers, why some people develop cancer
and others do not, evidence-based strategies for effective physical activity
promotion, avoiding or minimizing carcinogenic exposure, and how a multilevel approach to cancer prevention will bring awareness to this public
health issue.
ii. Learning Goals:
 Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
a. Describe the biological properties of cancer
b. Identify the major risk factors/prevention strategies associated with
cancer
c. Identify ways to improve nutritional habits to reduce cancer risks
d. Demonstrate an understanding of how exercise can reduce cancer
risks
e. Identify other lifestyle habits that contribute to cancer risk
f. Develop a cancer prevention program tailored to specific
populations.
g. Analyze, interpret, synthesize and integrate scholarly material.
h. Identify and discuss individual and ecological factors that contribute
to risks for developing cancer.
i. Demonstrate effective communication in identifying health needs of
a specific (i.e. race-specific or gender-specific) subgroup of a
population.
j. Demonstrate understanding and respect for the value of individuals,
communities and perspectives of difference.
iii. Assessment Methods:
 Assessment methods for this class will include homework assignments,
exams, quizzes, research article reviews, group presentations, and individual
research papers. For example, students will complete a health analysis
paper which will encompass discussing their nutrition and exercise
behaviors. They will be asked to analyze and compare their behaviors to the
recommended guidelines on the cancer website as well as the information
located in the text and relevant research articles. Students are expected to
articulate an approach that addresses specific barriers healthy behaviors
(e.g. nutrition, physical activity). The pass/fail option will be granted to
students upon request.
iv. Reading List:
 Reading list includes chapters from a textbook, as well as a series of relevant
articles and the cancer facts and figures (American Cancer Society).
Research articles will be included in appropriate topic areas. Listed below is
the textbook and course outline. Each section will be accompanied by
readings from a textbook chapter, article, or both.
Textbook/Reading Materials


Alberts, D., & Hess, L.M. (Eds.). (2014). Fundamentals of Cancer Prevention.
New York, NY: Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
Textbook will be supplemented by a course reader.
Course Outline
Part I: Cancer properties, Epidemiology of Cancer, and Common Cancers
Part II: Health Behavior Theories and Health History
Part III: Health Promotion: Nutrition, Physical Activity, Environment, Motivation

Course rationale:
i. This course is designed to fulfill upper division curricular requirements of the Health
Promotion (HP) track in Kinesiology. The course is a valuable part of the department
curriculum as well as the College curriculum for several reasons:
 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cancer is the
second leading cause of death, closely following heart disease. It is in the
top 10 leading causes of death worldwide, according to the World Health
Organization.
 The current curriculum within HP includes Sport Psychology and Sport lacks
a dedicated course focusing on the lifestyle behaviors that increase the risks
of developing cancer and other diseases. This course expands our upper
division offerings for HP students to fulfill this area.
 Given that the prevalence of cancer is a worldwide concern, not just within
Western societies, this course has the potential to meet a core requirement
of Global Perspectives.

Achieving health through lifestyle behaviors involves factors such as socioeconomic and educational statuses, environmental pollution and
community safety. In order to make positive changes toward health
promotion, these relationships need to be explored, analyzed and
appreciated. Therefore, this course directly supports the Lasallian mission in
allowing our students to develop proficiency in health and wellness issues
from a social justice perspective.

Prerequisites:
i. Kinesiology 10 – Introduction to Kinesiology, for the knowledge base of the field
ii. Kinesiology 15 – Measurement and Evaluation in Kinesiology, for the research and
writing proficiency
iii. Permission of the instructor

Number and Type of Students:
i. Students majoring in Kinesiology’s Health Promotion emphasis will eventually be
required to take this class as part of their major upper division courses.
ii. The course is also attractive to students in the Allied Health Program.
iii. A maximum of 25 students will take this class each year.