Do you know someone who has been diagnosed with cancer? Chances are you do. Recent research shows that 14.1 million people globally are diagnosed with cancer each year. This number is set to rise particularly in developing countries. This course will provide you with information about cancer, it's diagnosis, global trends in incidence, prevalence and mortality, it's treatment and prognosis. You will evaluate epidemiological research in order to explore the causes of cancer and identify modifiable risk factors supported by peer-reviewed scientific evidence.
Students will need background training in epidemiology and demography. The course will help students to understand the biological basis of cancer, why cancer is increasing in society and how we as individuals can modify our behaviour to reduce our risk of cancer based on review and critical appraisal of published scientific evidence.
How do you minister to and help people with life threating diseases such as cancer? The course will provide students with the scientific knowledge and ability to critically appraise research publications within a bibical framework to enable them to approach cancer patients and their families in a meaningful and helpful way.
Understanding that we are all created by God (genetic predisposition) and that God has a purpose for each of our lives . Exploring how life choices can affect not only our relationship with God but also our earthly body and how this can affect the development and/or progression of cancer.
Reaching out to the sick and infirm with compassion. Helping others to to make wise choices with regards to their lifestyle, occupational exposures and environment in which they life, looking to God for knowledge and understanding.
The course will help students to minister to patients who have been affected by cancer contextualising how the bible portrays illness and exploring the basis of Biblical healing. It will provide studies with the ability to critiacally assess research investigations into cancer risk factors and determine how these may be influenced to reduce the burden of cancer.
The course will explore cancer incidence, prevalence and mortality globally; discussing how genetics, culture, environmental and lifestyle choices affect the disease and its prognosis. Comparing and contrasting these influences between populations will enable students to determine where and how changes can be implemented.
Almost everyone will have been affected by cancer in some way. The course will help to build students knowledge in cancer and how its affects people and evaluate research publications exploring risk factors for cancer. They will identify methods to enable communication with those affected by cancer and to promote improved health.
Students will be tasked with investigating and evaluating the epidemiology of a specific cancer in a country of their choice. By discussion with other students they will identify interventions to improve prognosis of cancer patients and evaluate the effects of end of life care and the importance of biblical teaching and support at this time.
