Introduction to Breast Cancer Course Syllabus
Full curriculum breakdown — modules, lessons, estimated time, and outcomes.
Overview (80-120 words) describing structure and time commitment.
Module 1: Welcome to the Course!
Estimated time: 0.4 hours
- Introduction to course objectives and structure
- Overview of learning resources
- Community engagement opportunities
Module 2: Risks and Prevention
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Epidemiology of breast cancer
- Genetic mutations beyond BRCA
- Preventive strategies
- Lifestyle modifications
Module 3: Under the Microscope
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Fundamentals of cancer biology
- Differentiation between in situ and invasive cancers
- Understanding tumor grades and stages
- Molecular subtypes of breast cancer
Module 4: The Doctor's Office
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Diagnostic procedures and imaging techniques
- Interpretation of pathology reports
- Patient-doctor communication
- Shared decision-making in clinical care
Module 5: The Operating Room
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Surgical options for breast cancer
- Considerations in surgical planning
- Reconstruction and cosmetic outcomes
- Post-operative care and recovery
Module 6: Beyond the Knife
Estimated time: 2 hours
- Radiation therapy: indications and side effects
- Chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted treatments
- Systemic therapies by molecular subtype
- Managing treatment-related toxicities
Module 7: Survivorship
Estimated time: 1 hour
- Life after treatment: monitoring and follow-up
- Psychosocial support and quality of life
- Long-term health considerations
- Insights from survivor narratives
Prerequisites
- No prior medical knowledge required
- Basic understanding of biology helpful
- Interest in health sciences or personal relevance to breast cancer
What You'll Be Able to Do After
- Understand the basic biology of breast cancer, including types and molecular subtypes
- Identify key risk factors and evidence-based preventive measures
- Explain common diagnostic methods and interpret pathology reports
- Describe treatment options across surgery, radiation, and systemic therapies
- Recognize the importance of survivorship and psychosocial aspects in patient care