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Courses

Course Catalog

Advanced Topics in Cancer: Introduction to Cancer Prevention and Control Short Course

Sponsored by the University of Puerto Rico (UPR)/MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) U54 PACHE Partnership's Education Core, this course introduces students to basic concepts in the area of cancer prevention and control through twenty-three lectures presented by faculty from the University of Puerto Rico, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Ponce School of Medicine. Please feel free to use the lectures in this course as a self-paced learning module.

  1. anal cancer
  2. breast cancer
  3. cancer control planning
  4. cancer prevention
  5. screening

1. Introduction to Cancer Burden and Cancer Prevention and Control

  • Introduction to the concept of cancer prevention and control
  • Discussion of cancer statistics at a local and international level
     

2. Basic Concepts in Cancer Prevention and Control

  • Cancer control continuum concept
  • Health Impact Pyramid
  • Primary, secondary and tertiary prevention
  • Evidence-based public health
  • Research and intervention needs in cancer prevention and control
     

3. Cancer Health Disparities

  • Discussion of examples about disparities in the area of cancer and the need of collaborative prevention and cancer control
  • Discussion of examples of vulnerable populations at a greater cancer risk
  • Concept of disparities, inequalities and equity
  • Social determinants of health and cancer prevention and control


4. Cancer Risk Factors

  • Diet and nutrition, physical activity, obesity, tobacco, alcohol, heredity and genetics, and their importance in cancer prevention and control
  • Environmental and occupational (i.e. chemical, biological, radioactive, mineral, etc.) exposures and their importance in cancer prevention and control
     

5. Cancer Research as a Resource to Develop Cancer Prevention Strategies

  • Epidemiologic research
  • Translational research
  • Cancer clinical trials
  • Behavioral intervention trials


6. Evidence-based Interventions and Resources: What Works?

  • Cancer Control P.L.A.N.E.T.
  • USPSTF
  • Decision making for cancer and other screening tests


7. Cancer Screening and Guidelines

  • Screening tests available and in development for different cancer types
  • Evidence-based recommendations
  • Barriers and predictors for the use of screening tests
  • Emerging topics and research needs
  • Genetic testing and counseling


8. Cancer Survivors

  • Definition
  • Cancer survivor statistics in Puerto Rico, the United States and internationally
  • Emerging research topics among cancer survivors
  • Comorbidities and quality of life of cancer survivors


9. Cancer Registries and Other Surveillance Systems as a Resource for Cancer Prevention

  • Puerto Rico Central Cancer Registry
  • SEER
  • GLOBOCAN
  • Health services research
  • Biobanks


10. Cancer Control Plans

  • Plans for the control of cancer in Puerto Rico, the United States and globally: definition of objectives, development and evaluation
  • Cancer Control Coalitions and Community Outreach: Their relevance for cancer control plans


11. Health Education, Health Policy, and Access to Care: Role in Cancer Prevention and Control