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Cancer and the Older Person: Improving Care, Outcomes and Experience

Gain an introduction to modern strategies of geriatric oncology and support.

4,035 enrolled on this course

An elderly cancer patient and a medical practitioner

Cancer and the Older Person: Improving Care, Outcomes and Experience

4,035 enrolled on this course

  • 4 weeks

  • 3 hours per week

  • Accreditation available

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Open level

Find out more about how to join this course

This course will enhance your understanding of cancer care for geriatric patients and help you to build confidence and knowledge to care for older people who have been diagnosed with or are undergoing treatment for cancer.

Explore the specific needs of older patients

1 in 2 people will develop cancer in their lifetime, and often this diagnosis comes later in life.

On this course, you’ll develop a toolkit of resources around caring for older patients throughout their diagnosis, treatment and recovery or end of life.

Learn how to talk about cancer with older patients and their families

Led by professionals at University of Melbourne, you’ll learn communication methods and modes of questioning that will help you respectfully encourage others to respect and heed expert health advice.

You might be worried you’ll say the wrong thing, but you’ll learn how to make an action plan for talking about cancer and how to help people take action in their lives to live with and help to treat cancer.

As well as helping you learn and share the facts around geriatric oncology, this course will also help you to support someone who is diagnosed with cancer later in life.

Learn with one of the world’s most highly regarded medical faculties

The University of Melbourne is ranked among the 20 best universities in the world for Healthcare and Medicine [1].

This course draws on the world leading knowledge of the University, alongside the Royal Melbourne Hospital, the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC) and Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology.

What topics will you cover?

  • Demographics and prevalence
  • Communication and Coordination of Care
  • Diagnosis and treatment
  • Psychosocial and Community-based Support
  • Elder abuse
  • Vulnerable groups
  • Advanced care planning

Who is this accredited by?

Australian College of Nursing
Australian College of Nursing:

This course is endorsed by ACN according to our Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Endorsed Course Standards according to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners:

This activity has been approved by the RACGP QI&CPD Program in the 2020-22 triennium, 40 Category 1 points

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Describe factors that would differentiate a fit older person from a frail person as a result of cancer and its treatment
  • Explain how age associated changes might impact on a person’s ability to engage in treatment decision making and self-care
  • Explain the importance of effective communication and diversity of the population of an older person with cancer
  • Explore strategies to effectively identify values and wishes that influence the care an older person may receive
  • Explain the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in caring for an older person affected by cancer

Who is the course for?

Carers, doctors and nurses within this field, or family members of those suffering from a cancer diagnosis in old age.

Who will you learn with?

Associate Head, Education Development
Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre. I am an educator with over 10 years experience in health care.

Who developed the course?

The University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne is a public research university located in Melbourne, Australia. We are Australia’s number one university and world leader in education, teaching and research excellence.

  • Established

    1853
  • Location

    Melbourne, Australia
  • World ranking

    Top 40Source: Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022

VCCC Alliance

The VCCC Alliance is an alliance of ten Victorian organisations committed to cancer control.

Ways to learn

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$134/one-off payment

$27.99

For the first two months. Automatically renews

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$27.99

For the first two months. Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$134/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 25 Apr 2024

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

T&Cs apply.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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