Download Module 3: Introduction to Cancer Knowledge

Module 3: Introduction to Cancer
Knowledge
Learning Objective:
To identify unique risk factors, tests and treatments of cancer
By the end of this module, participants will be able to:
1. Describe cancer
2. Describe the process by which cancer spreads
3. Describe characteristics of cancer cells
4. Describe the importance of cancer screening tests and early detection
5. Describe staging and its importance in cancer treatment
6. Describe different treatments for specific cancers
Teaching Methods:
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Attend lecture on cancer 101
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Receive information on specific cancers from providers during facility tours
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Tour cancer diagnostic and treatment facilities, including treatment rooms and
equipment
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Talk story with cancer patients and their families
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Complete worksheets on specific cancers
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Add to resource binder
Ho`okele i ke Ola Training Curriculum
Module 3
January/February 2011
1
Module Outline
1. Cancer and the cancer disease process
a. Definition of Cancer
b. Characteristics of cancer cells
c. Cancer disease process
2. Risk factors for cancer and cancer risk reduction
a. Environment
b. Lifestyle
c. Heredity
d. Cancer Risk Reduction
3. Cancer Screening and early detection
a. Cancer Screening
b. Barriers to Cancer Screening
c. Cancer Early Detection
4. Cancer treatments
a. Breast Cancer
b. Lung Cancer
c. Colorectal Cancer
d. Prostate Cancer
e. Cervical Cancer
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Jan/Feb 2011
Module 3
Ho`okele i ke Ola Training Curriculum
Module Presentations
A sample of presentations that address the unique risk factors, tests, and
treatments of specific cancers.

Cancer 101
Medical Oncologist at a hospital in Honolulu

Lung Cancer
Surgical Oncologist at a hospital on O`ahu

Prostate Cancer
Cancer Survivor and Volunteer for a Prostate Cancer Support Group on O`ahu
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Tour The Queen’s Cancer Center and Queen’s Medical Center

Breast Cancer
Native Hawaiian Oncologist at a hospital in Honolulu

Pediatric Cancers
Clinical Nurse Specialist in the Pediatric Oncology department at a Honolulu
Hospital

Gynecologic Tumor Board at a hospital in Honolulu

Gynecologic Cancers
Gynecological Oncologist at a hospital in Honolulu

Tour of Kuakini Health System

Colorectal Cancer
Surgical Oncologist at a hospital on O`ahu
Module 3
Ho`okele i ke Ola Training Curriculum
Jan/Feb 2011
3
What is Cancer?
Cancer refers to a group of more than 100 diseases that begin in cells. It develops when cells
grow (divide) and form more cells without control or order. This abnormal growth of cells
can damage and destroy normal tissue, disrupt normal function and possibly cause death.
How does cancer spread?
The process by which cancer spreads from the original site to another part of the body is called
metastasis. Cancer cells can then be spread by directly to the same area, carried by the
lymphatic system, or carried by the blood to distant organs.
What is cancer screening?
Checking for cancer in a person who does not have symptoms of the disease is called cancer
screening. Medical screening tests are effective tools in the early detection of cancer. A few
cancers have specific screening tests that aid in detecting cancer early. Screening tests for
some cancers can detect precancerous changes that can be removed or destroyed e.g. colorectal
cancer and polyps/adenomas, skin cancer and a-typical moles.
A person’s chance for a full recovery is better if cancer is detected and treated early. The goal
of early detection is to discover and stop a cancerous tumor before it grows and spreads
(metastasizes).
How to reduce cancer risk?
Some types of cancer are related to lifestyle, or how we live and what choices we make. Some
ways to reduce cancer risk are to:
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Maintain a healthy weight
Get at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day
Don’t smoke
Eat a healthy diet
Limit alcohol consumption
Protect yourself from the sun
Protect yourself and your partner from sexually transmitted diseases
Jan/Feb 2011
Module 3
Ho`okele i ke Ola Training Curriculum