Online course
Time: approx. 30 – 40 minutes (depending on existing knowledge)
Our three-part Introduction to pancreatic cancer course provides an overview of pancreatic cancer, from how it presents and the symptoms associated with the disease, to treatment options and the ongoing supportive care needs of people with pancreatic cancer.
In part one of the course we explore: how pancreatic cancer affects the pancreas; signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer; risk factors; diagnosis; and staging.
This course is designed for all healthcare professionals with no or limited experience of pancreatic cancer, or those looking for a refresher.
Who is this course for?
This course is suitable for all healthcare professionals treating and supporting people with pancreatic cancer. It is particularly relevant for the following roles:
- UGI / HPB CNSs working in secondary care and specialist centres
- Dietitians working in secondary care and specialist centres
- Doctors working in secondary care and specialist centres
- Palliative care consultants and nurses
- GPs
- Support workers, patient navigators, MDT co-ordinators
Who is this course for?
This course is suitable for all healthcare professionals interested in finding out about pancreatic cancer. It is designed specifically for healthcare professionals with no or limited experience of pancreatic cancer, or those looking for a refresher.
What will you achieve from taking part one of this course?
- Knowledge and understanding of the signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer
- Knowledge and understanding of the risk factors of pancreatic cancer
- Knowledge and understanding of how pancreatic cancer is diagnosed and the staging of the cancer
You will receive a CPD certificate of completion at the end of course.
What will this course cover?
- How pancreatic cancer affects the pancreas
- Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer
- Risk factors
- Diagnosis
- Staging
There will be a short quiz toward the end of the course to test your knowledge of the topics.
FAQs
Do I need to complete the module in one go?
No. You can start the module and come back to it at a later date to complete it. The course will remember your progress.
Can I get CPD from taking this module?
Yes. This course is CPD certified. On completion of the course you will receive a certificate with the CPD stamp which you can use for revalidation.
Do I need to take parts two and three of the course?
After taking part one of this course, we recommend taking part two on treatment options and part three on symptom management so you get to hear about the different areas of the pancreatic cancer pathway. However, it isn’t mandatory to take all three courses.
Contact us
If you have any questions about the course or if you need any help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at hpnetwork@pancreaticcancer.org.uk
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the following people who contributed, reviewed and tested this online course:
Reviewers
- Mary Phillips, Advanced Specialist Dietitian (HPB Surgery), Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Lynne McCallum, Pancreatic Cancer Specialist Nurse, Pancreatic Cancer UK
- Jeni Jones, Pancreatic Cancer Specialist Nurse, Pancreatic Cancer UK
User testers
- Dr Ruth Corbally, Macmillan GP Cancer Lead, Powys Teaching Health Board
- Susan Mason-Cave, Diabetes Nurse Specialist, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
- Paula Trainor, Cancer Pathway Manager (Pancreas), Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
- Rachel Haigh, HPB Clinical Nurse Specialist, Western General Hospital
Videos: People with pancreatic cancer who shared their experience
- Stuart McWilliam
- Carol Edgeley
Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the following people who contributed, reviewed and tested this online course, in addition to our Pancreatic Cancer Specialist Nurses:
Reviewers
- Ciaran Conway, GP
- Lizzie Quirke, Senior Specialist HPB Oncology Dietitian, Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
- Rachel Haigh, Clinical Nurse Specialist – CUP and HPB, Edinburgh Cancer Centre, Western General Hospital
- Simon Gray, HPB/NET Clinical Research Fellow, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
- Steph Gooder, Lead HPB Clinical Nurse Specialist, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
- Stuart Robinson, Consultant HPB Surgeon, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle
User testers
- Anna Williams, Pharmacist, Saundersfoot Medical Centre
- Helen Jones, Macmillan Information and Support Service Manager, Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust
- Jane Holt, Upper GI Cancer Support Worker, Whiston Hospital, St Helens and Knowsley NHS Trust
- Sharon McMullen, HPB Cancer Care Coordinator, The Newcastle University Hospitals Trust
- Tracey Howells, Upper GI Cancer Support Worker, Glangwili Hospital, Hywel Dda University Health Board
Video: People affected by pancreatic cancer who shared their experience
- Bryony Thomas
- Ann Stella
- Marie Morris
- Hugh Campbell
- Vivienne
- Stuart McWilliam
- Peter Fitzpatrick
The course content
The content of this course is supported by research, studies and guides which are referenced throughout the course content. In addition, the content has also been informed by presentations from healthcare professionals, including:
- Etiology, risk factors, investigation and diagnosis – Somaiah Aroori, Consultant HPB Surgeon, Chris Briggs, Consultant HPB Surgeon and Mark Puckett, Consultant GI Radiologist, Derriford Hospital
- Early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer – Guy Shingler, Consultant HPB & Laparoscopic Surgeon, Morriston Hospital