Introduction to the Science of Cancer is a free, noncredit, online course presented by The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) and The Ohio State University Office of Distance Education and eLearning.

It begins Oct. 12, 2015.

The course is designed for anyone who wants a sound understanding of cancer and how it is diagnosed, treated, prevented and studied.

The course is available to anyone globally with an internet connection.

In “Introduction to the Science of Cancer,” OSUCCC – James oncologists and researchers explain key cancer-related concepts in user-friendly terms.

In five modules and 35 videos, these cancer experts explain the nature of cancer; the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer; and cancer research.

“The OSUCCC – James offers this free course to encourage a greater commitment to cancer prevention and cancer care globally,” says Michael A. Caligiuri, MD, director of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and CEO of the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.

Caligiuri introduces each module and presents a video that gives an overview of cancer research.

Caligiuri explains that, in 2012, an estimated 14.1 million people developed cancer worldwide, and 8 million people died of it.

The number of cancer cases is expected to grow to 22 million in the next 20 years due to the growing and ageing of the world population.

He notes that cancer treatment and care can be a challenge for some who live in high-income countries.

But 60 percent of cancer cases and 70 percent of cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries in Africa, Asia and Central and South America, which have few resources for cancer care.

“We believe that a sound understanding of cancer by all will help raise the priority of cancer care and of cancer prevention efforts by individuals, communities and nations,” he says.

The first video for each module presents an overview of that module’s theme.

The module “Treatment of Cancer,” for example, briefly describes how doctors determine the best treatment for a cancer patient, then gives an overview of the main forms of cancer treatment.

Subsequent videos focus on key topics in each subject area.

The “Treatment” module, mentioned earlier, has individual videos devoted to surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

For each, Ohio State cancer experts provide clear, concise and comprehensive descriptions.

The course also includes a discussion forum, a short quiz at the end of each module, a peer-graded project and a certificate of completion at the end.

As of midday Sept. 16, 3,855 people from 121 countries had registered for the course; 40 percent of the individuals were from emerging economies.

“The rising number of cancer cases presents a serious global challenge,” Caligiuri says.

“The only solution is a global commitment to cancer prevention.”

For more information and to register, visit go.osu.edu/scienceofcancer.

Source: The Ohio State University

ecancer has a number of online learning modules which can be accessed here