Lifestyle medicine for cancer prevention and survivorship

Program Overview

The Lifestyle Medicine for Cancer Prevention and Survivorship course from the University of Winchester empowers healthcare professionals and the public with evidence-based lifestyle strategies to prevent cancer and enhance well-being after a diagnosis. Through interactive modules, case studies, and expert guidance, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of the six pillars of lifestyle medicine and their impact on cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship. The course culminates in a written assignment and optional live Q&A session, preparing participants for careers in healthcare, wellness, and public health.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The Lifestyle Medicine for Cancer Prevention and Survivorship course from the University of Winchester equips healthcare professionals and the general public with the knowledge and skills to implement evidence-based lifestyle strategies for cancer prevention and living well after a cancer diagnosis.

Objectives:

• Understand the rising burden of cancer globally and the hallmarks of cancer.
• Explain the role of diet and lifestyle factors in cancer prevention, including international guidelines.
• Discuss the evidence for lifestyle interventions during cancer treatment.
• Explore the role of diet and lifestyle factors in improving cancer outcomes and quality of life after diagnosis.
• Understand the role of the microbiome in cancer development and its impact on treatments.

Program Description:

This 8-week, distance learning course consists of interactive modules, case studies, video lectures, and discussions. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the six pillars of lifestyle medicine:

• Healthy Diets: Evidence-based dietary patterns, cancer prevention guidelines, putting dietary guidelines into practice during treatment.
• Restorative Sleep: Impact on cancer and its treatment, sleep hygiene practices.
• Healthy Relationships: Social connections and their influence on cancer, fostering healthy relationships.
• Avoidance of Harmful Substances: Understanding the link between alcohol, smoking, and cancer.
• The course requires access to Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.
• An optional Q&A session is held via Microsoft Teams.
• A written assignment and an optional live Q&A session are included in the assessment.

Outline:

Module 1:

• General overview of cancer incidence and prevalence, hallmarks of cancer development and mechanisms.
• Overview of known risk factors for cancer development (diet, physical activity, alcohol, viruses, environmental toxins etc), including established cancer prevention guidelines.

Module 2:

• Dietary risk factors and healthy dietary patterns.
• Putting dietary guidelines into practice during cancer treatment.

Module 3:

• Cancer and the microbiome.

Module 4:

• Physical activity and cancer prevention and survival.
• Practical application of physical activity guidelines.

Module 5:

• Alcohol and cancer.
• Smoking and cancer.
• Stress and cancer.

Module 6:

• Sleep and cancer.
• Social connections and cancer.

Module 7:

• Impact of lifestyle factors on survivorship and preventing comorbidities in people living with cancer.

Module 8:

• The role of integrative oncology in cancer.
• The lifestyle medicine prescription; putting knowledge into practice.
• Written assignment of 500-700 words.
• An optional live Q&A session on Teams.

Assessment:

• Written assignment (500-700 words)
• Optional live Q&A session
• Active participation in discussions and activities

Teaching:

• Distance learning format with interactive modules, case studies, video lectures, and discussions.
• Facilitated and taught by Dr. Shireen Kassam.
• Key contributors include experts in lifestyle medicine and cancer care.

Careers:

This course can lead to various career paths in healthcare, wellness, and public health, including:

• Lifestyle medicine practitioner
• Integrative oncology specialist
• Cancer prevention educator
• Health coach
• Wellness consultant

Other:

• The course is aimed at practicing healthcare professionals in primary and secondary care.
• The course is also relevant to the general public interested in reducing their personal risk of cancer or who have lived through a cancer diagnosis.
• The course is offered three times a year, starting on October 15th, January 21st, and April 29th.
• The course fee is £250.