Category: Uncategorised

“I have known David for many years as a proficient tutor in teaching cancer education. I have had the fortune of being a delegate on David’s classroom based training courses and found these invaluable for increasing my knowledge of cancer.

More recently, I have worked in partnership with David to develop and deliver webinar based training specific to Clinical Coders. David’s approach to teaching and development is second to none; he appreciates the need for high quality cancer training and understands the role of a Clinical Coder enough to develop a bespoke package of training that supports them in neoplasm coding. David is able to turn a complex subject into a comprehensible language that can be understood by a range of clinical and non-clinical professionals.

Before working with David I had no knowledge of webinar training, but with David’s support and encouragement he enabled me to develop my skills to ultimately present my own webinar as part of his ‘principles of neoplasm coding’ series. His compassionate and encouraging nature makes everyone on his training session feel relaxed and enthusiastic to learn.

David is an extremely talented teacher of a complex subject matter and demonstrates confidence, passion and expertise in all of his sessions. If you are looking for high quality, enjoyable, cancer training then I can only recommend David O’Halloran; you will not be disappointed!”

Vicky Tudge, Classifications Specialist at NHS Digital

Please follow the link to view this recording. We hope you enjoy it and findtime to send us some feedback.

What is Cancer? recording.

Take a look at this article to find out how cancer can be a result of random, continuous damage over a lifetime

Another great course at the Christie Hospital in Manchester. 30 people in the room for 2 days with a variety of different backgrounds; nurses, doctors, administrators, clinical trials, data collectors, occupational therapists, dietitians, medical physics technicians, radiographers and others.

Here is a snippet of what they said.

• Effectiveness of the speaker (David O’Halloran) was rated at 99%
• The educational content was rated 99%
• ALL attendees thought they had moved on in their learning!

“This course was brilliant and the teaching style used on the course was commendable. If all my lecturers at university when I obtained my degree used this much passion and explanation when teaching I would have learned even more.”

• Recurring themes were that the course gave the attendee, more confidence, greater understanding of the subject and therefore able to play a more productive role within their team.

Join us for this interactive webinar where you will have the opportunity to sample a webinar training event with lots of interaction and plenty of time for questions.

You will learn lots of terminology about cancer, and begin to understand more about the disease. Who gets it? Why do they get it? What actually is it?
Throughout the webinar you will also get the opportunity to learn about O’Halloran Consultancy and why you should use it for your cancer education and training needs.

And keep watching because you will party to an amazing offer, not to be missed!

Book your FREE place now.

Limited places available and going fast!

Cancer (not so) Basics.

This group of 3 webinars will introduce you to the fundamentals of cancer and cancer development. By introducing you first to the cells and tissues of the body and how cells replicate, you are quickly covering more detailed aspects of cancer biology with confidence. Lots of terminology in these three webinars which will give you a thorough grounding in cancer and how it develops.

This group of webinar are ideally suited to those new to the field of cancer, or who have found themselves in a new role and need more background in this subject area. Particularly useful for MDT coordinators, Cancer Data collectors, Clinical coders, Clinical trials staff and cancer nurses new to oncology – but that doesn’t rule out anyone who feels they need a little extra help in understanding cancer as a disease. Researchers, GPs, Pharmaceutical companies, scientific writers and many others have all accessed this group of webinars to further their cancer knowledge.

Cancer Demystified! Cells, Tissues & Cancer

In this webinar, you will learn about important aspects of cell biology and cell replication fundamental to understanding how cancer develops. You will learn how cells group together to form different tissues, found in different places within the body. As the webinar develops you will begin to grasp important differences between epithelial and connective tissues, and generate an understanding for the names we give tumours. Oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes will be introduced and their role within neoplasm formation. Throughout the webinar, you will be introduced to much terminology – in-situ, invasive, carcinoma, differentiation, grade, differentiation. Everything will be explained, leaving you better equipped in your important roles…be prepared for many light bulb moments in this webinar!

Metastasis Explained! Why & How cancer spreads

Metastasis defines cancer! In this webinar, you will learn why. You will begin to understand the characteristics that cancer cells derive which allow them to spread and the webinar will move onto explaining how cancer gets to different parts of the body. Direct, lymphatic, blood and transcoelomic (across a cavity) spread, will all be explained, leaving you will an all-round grasp of metastasis and its role in tumour progression.

Staging & Grading of Cancer

Staging and grading are two of the biggest drivers in deciding what treatment our cancer patient may receive. Join us on this webinar and you will learn how staging and grading influence patient management and prognosis. You will become familiar with the similarities and differences between stage and grade, and gain a good grasp of terms such as, ‘well’ and ‘poorly differentiation’ with respect to tumours. You will gain an appreciation of the fundamental principles of both staging and grading before going onto to cover more detailed aspects. Lots of really useful information in this webinar allowing you to understand more and partake more confidently in discussion with other professionals and patients alike.

Cancer Treatments

A group of four webinars designed to bring you up to speed with the treatments we use for our cancer patients, many of who will receive a combination of these treatments. It is important to understand how these treatments work against the cancer, but also to consider their side effects and how they might be remedied. Quite a bit of science in these webinars, but brought over in a way that you will understand. Best suited for those that have been in their role for a while, but also work very well as a follow on for the ‘Cancer (not so) Basic’ series.

Very suitable for MDT coordinators and nurses, along with research staff working with these treatments. Medical Scientific offers within pharmaceutical companies will find these webinars very useful. Cancer managers, service improvement facilitators, Cancer Research UK staff and many others have all accessed these webinars to further their cancer knowledge.

Introduction to Radiotherapy

This session is designed to introduce you to the concepts and aims of radiotherapy. As the webinar progresses you will begin to appreciate the differences between external beam radiotherapy and brachytherapy. Throughout the session, you will establish an understanding of the terminology associated with radiotherapy. Fractionation will be explained in terms that you understand and you will acquire a grasp of how radiation interacts with and kills cells. Radiotherapy treatment planning and the daily treatment processes will be explained, before introducing you to more complicated radiotherapy techniques – Conformal, IMRT, IGRT, Stereotactic. And there will be plenty of time to ask questions, thereby making sure that you go away from the webinar with a good grounding in what radiotherapy entails. Join me for this enlightening webinar and begin your journey in understanding about radiotherapy.

Chemotherapy Explained.

Often wondered what a ‘chemotherapy cycle’ is? Or why we give chemotherapy in combinations? And why we give these combinations such names like ABVD, CHOP? And what do these acronyms stand for? Well you’ve come to the right place. Everything will be explained in this webinar. You will be introduced to the different categories of drugs – alkylating, antimetabolites, anthracyclines, topoisomerase inhibitors, mitotic inhibitors. You will begin to understand how a knowledge of the cell cycle underpins why chemotherapy is used and how it works against the cell. Unfortunately, chemotherapy does cause side effects…why is this and what are they?  Join me for this excellent webinar and begin your journey in understanding about chemotherapy.

An Introduction to Targeted Therapies in Cancer

The problem with radiotherapy and chemotherapy is that they cause too many side effects, and do not really pay attention to the difference between cancer cells and normal cells. Targeted therapies are designed to do just that. But what are these differences? Join us on this enlightening webinar and begin your journey in understanding about targeted therapies. To start the webinar, you will learn what the major differences are between cancer and normal cells. Once you have grasped these fundamentals, you will learn about monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors, and begin to appreciate their differences and how they can interact with the cancer cells. Lots of terminology explained in this exciting and interactive webinar.

Immunotherapy and its role in the treatment of Cancer

Immunotherapy is an exciting prospect in the fight against cancer – why? Join me on this webinar and begin to discover the possibilities that immunotherapy holds in treating all sorts of cancers. To begin the session, you will be introduced to the body’s natural immune system. An understanding of this will allow you to grasp how the immune system can be harnessed to fight cancer. Throughout the webinar, you will begin to appreciate what a great job our T & B cells do. Therapies such as checkpoint inhibitors, cytokines and CAR (T) cell therapies will be explained in terms that you will understand. The potential is great, but there are also consequences to switching on our immune system. Join us on this webinar and find out more.

Tumour Specific Sites

A range of webinars designed to follow on from ‘Cancer (not so) Basic’ and ‘Cancer Treatments’. These webinars will give you more in-depth knowledge around the specific tumour site. Each webinar will follow a similar format. Firstly, you will be introduced to the anatomy related to this area, followed by the epidemiology and risk factors associated with the type of cancer. Signs and symptoms along with common diagnostic procedures will be covered, followed by detailed descriptions of staging and grading. Each webinar will be concluded by looking at common treatments available for each tumour type.

Very suitable for anyone working in these field who need more information about tumour sites. MDT coordinators will find these extremely beneficial, as will clinical coders and clinical trials and auditing personnel. Cancer registry staff, those involved with cancer charities, pharmaceutical and research staff have all attended these webinars and continue to derive benefit from the information covered.

Breast Cancer: Anatomy & Oncology

In this webinar, you will learn about the anatomy of the breast and how this relates to the types of breast cancer. You will begin to understand the risk factors for breast cancer and learn about the epidemiology of breast cancer. Staging and grading for will be covered and you will gain an appreciation of the treatment options available for people with breast cancer. This webinar will give you a good grounding in breast cancer and its treatment, you will gain a thorough understanding of terminology such as HER2, ER+ve and understand how our targeted and hormonal treatments can be used to good effect.

Lung Cancer: Anatomy & Oncology

Join me for this webinar where you will learn about the anatomy of the lungs and how this relates to the different types of cancer we get. You will learn the difference between the types of lung cancer, small cell v non-small cell, and you will be introduced to some of the key genetic mutations found in certain lung cancer which form the basis of some useful targeted therapies such as gefitinib and erlotinib. Throughout the webinar, we shall consider the TNM staging system and you will understand why metastasis in lung cancer is such a problem. Risk factors will be highlighted and the common treatments for lung cancer explored. By the end of this webinar you will have all the information you need to talk about lung cancer in a confident manner.

Gynaecological Cancer: Anatomy & Oncology

Ovarian, Cervical and Uterine cancer will all be covered in this webinar. You will be introduced to the anatomy of this region and begin to relate this to the different types of cancers we get there. You will get a clear overview of the risk factors associated with these cancers and screening for cervical cancer will be discussed, along with screening possibilities for ovarian cancer. Epidemiology will be explored and you will learn about the common treatment options available for these cancers. All the information you need to work within this field in a confident manner will be covered in this webinar.

Prostate Cancer: Anatomy & Oncology

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK. In this webinar, you will be introduced to the anatomy of the prostate and begin to understand how this relates to the common symptoms associated with prostate cancer.  The risk factors for prostate cancer will be explored and you will learn about the relationship between male hormones and prostate cancer, and how we can use this knowledge to inform possible treatment strategies. Staging and the Gleason Grading scale will be explored and you will learn about the treatments available for prostate cancer. An excellent all-round introduction to this disease which will leave you better equipped to talk about this disease with confidence.

Colon Cancer: Anatomy & Oncology

On this webinar, you will be introduced to the anatomy of this region and begin to relate this to the types of cancers we get there. You will get a clear overview of the risk factors associated with colon cancer and understand the associated epidemiology. The bowel screening programme will be discussed and you will grasp a sound understanding of staging related to colon cancer. Throughout the webinar reference will be made to EGFR positivity, along with the role of KRAS, and you will begin to understand how this relates to colon cancer and how we can use it to formulate specific therapies. After finishing up with the common treatments we use for patients with colon cancer you will find that you can speak about this disease with more confidence.

Upper GI: Anatomy & Oncology

In this webinar, you will be introduced to several tumour sites. You will cover the anatomy and oncology relating to: oesophageal cancer, stomach cancer, small intestinal cancer, pancreatic and liver cancer. You will discover the range risk factors associated with these cancers and understand the range of treatment options available. A jam-packed webinar full of useful and relevant information.

Head & Neck Cancer: Anatomy & Oncology

Join us on this webinar and you will learn about cancers of the head and neck: oral cavity cancer, pharyngeal cancer and laryngeal cancer. After a look at the anatomy of this region you will begin to understand the signs and symptoms of these cancers. Epidemiology and risk factors will be covered and you will learn about the common treatments available for people with these types of cancer. You will learn about EGRF +ve and what this means for patients and possible treatment strategies. A well-rounded webinar, designed with your learning in mind.

Skin Cancer: Anatomy & Oncology

Malignant melanoma has quadrupled in incidence in the last 4 decades. There has been around a 50% and 35% increase in incidence in men and women respectively in the last 10 years alone. In this webinar, you will learn about why this is the case and begin to understand the risk factors associated with skin cancer. The anatomy of the skin will be covered and you will gain a sound understanding of the staging systems used for malignant melanoma. Likely treatment options will be covered and you will begin to understand the role of BRaf and MEK in malignant melanoma development and treatment strategies. If you work in this field, then this webinar is essential viewing. Join us on this webinar and get all the information you need in just 1 hour!

Brain Tumours

Brain tumours are very rare, but when they do occur can have very serious consequences because of their location. In this webinar, you will be introduced to the general structure of the brain and nerves cells. You will also be introduced to glial cells which from the supportive architecture for nerve cells from which most brain tumours derive. Common signs and symptoms will be discussed along with likely treatment options available.

Blood Cancers

A series of three webinars designed to introduce you to the more common cancer associated with blood and blood production sites. A knowledge of blood cells and their developments holds the key to understanding these diseases, and that is where we begin. Following on from this, each webinar will take you through the epidemiology, risk factors and signs and symptoms associated with these diseases. Each webinar will culminate in looking at the treatment options available.

Very suitable for those new to the field of haematology related cancers. MDT coordinators, clinical coders and clinical trials staff will find these webinars particularly enlightening. Oncology nurses working in this field will gain and further cement lots of knowledge and understanding about these diseases. MSOs with pharma industries, cancer registry staff and those working within cancer charities will all find these webinars useful for their daily roles.

An Introduction to Leukaemia

To help you understand leukaemia this webinar will first introduce you to blood cells, and their development. A grasp of this, along with a knowledge of the functions of these cells, will allow you to understand how leukaemia evolve and how they manifest themselves. Chronic myeloid, acute myeloid, chronic lymphocytic and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia will be covered and you will gain a good grounding in how these diseases progress and the likely treatment options available. In this webinar, you will be introduced to the concept of fusion genes (BCR-ABL, PML-RARA) and their role in certain types of leukaemia, and how a knowledge of these genes has led to the development of very useful targeted therapies.

In Introduction to Lymphoma

Lymphomas can be broadly divided into Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and affects your T and B white blood cells. In this webinar, you will learn the differences between the two types of lymphoma and indeed the sub categories within each type. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding the Ann Arbor staging system and the role of B symptoms in a patient’s diagnosis. During the webinar, you will learn about the likely treatment options available for lymphomas and you will be introduced to common chemotherapy regimens (ABVD, CHOP) and understand what they are and how we use them to successfully treatment a lot of lymphomas. Lots of terminology you come across when dealing with lymphomas will be explained leaving you with a sound overview of lymphomas which will allow you to fulfil your roles with more confidence.

Myeloma

In this webinar, you will learn the origin of myeloma. B Cells will be introduced along with their function. Myeloma tends to present through an excessive production of antibodies. What are antibodies? And, why do they matter?  You will be introduced to the acronym CRAB, which will allow to understand why patients present with the signs and symptoms that they do. Throughout the webinar, you will learn the similarities and difference between MGUS, Smouldering and symptomatic myeloma and the likely treatment options for myeloma will be explored.

I recently delivered my 3-day Anatomy & Oncology course for non clinicians in Leeds. A mix of people, some from the cancer registry, some from a Scottish Cancer Network and a clinical psychologist. There was much discussion and lots of learning. Here’s what they have been saying about the course they attended…

“The whole course was really interesting and enjoyable. All the content was presented in a really accessible and understandable way, which given the complexity of the information covered and the range of professional backgrounds in the room, really highlights the quality of the course David provided. Thank you!”

“Thank you so much for putting on such a great course – I have raved about it to my colleagues.”

“Having the opportunity to ask questions at any point was extremely helpful. I also found it useful to know the background behind the various treatments. It was particularly moving to hear of everyone’s personal stories – as someone involved in cancer registration this helped to remind me that I am doing something beyond filling in a computer screen”

“Overall I thought the course was a very worthwhile learning experience, David’s approach to teaching was key for this. I found David a very engaging presenter who showed a clear passion for what he teaches. His use of examples also proved to be a very effective tool. This is one of the most engaging and interactive learning experiences I have been involved with.”

I was not happy because I had not structured the presentation the way I always do. By that I mean this.

When I teach about cancer I do so mainly to those who work in the field but have little or no cancer, or even science background. Therefore, I decided, very early on in my career to strip things back to basics and layer the learning. I had not done this with this presentation. I had assumed a level of knowledge. I quickly revised the presentation and made sure that the learning was layered to allow everyone attending to move through and build on their learning as the webinar progressed.

Here’s what some people said after the webinar

“Very grateful to have a clearer understanding of the topic. I thought David presented the topic in layman’s terms that were clear to understand. I also think the repetition of the key points really helped my understanding. The simple analogies were also very helpful.” LS

“I thought it was really good – David is really engaging and has a brilliant way of explaining tricky or complex subjects. I like the interaction as you go through the session.” JM

This is what I do. I bring complex terminology across in a way that is understandable to others. But how is this done? It is certainly not done by chance. Each of my teaching sessions are thought through and are borne out of years of trial and error. Here I would like to share with you some of the things that I have learned over the last 30 years of teaching & learning experience.

Although my various degrees are in education I am certainly no expert in education. I do not read lots of ‘presentation skills’ type books, and those that I have read, I admit I threw them out many years ago! These hints & tips are there to help those who might find them helpful. They are there to stimulate discussion and they are there because I am always open to critical feedback.

1. Going back to basics 

If you are teaching about a complex subject, then you must layer up the learning. Start from the basics and move through at a pace which is commensurate with the group you are teaching. I do not start teaching about cancer until the group has a general understanding of what the ‘normal’ body consists of. Cancer is ‘abnormal you’, so to understand abnormal you, it is first important to know about ‘normal you’ in terms of cells & tissues. Then we can move on to learning about cancer.

By layering the learning, you will bring the group with you and ensure that everyone can maximise their learning opportunity in the time you have together.

“I thought this was pitched perfectly for my cancer knowledge, and really went over the basics until it became clearer in my mind.” Emma

“Really useful to go back to basics and help bring all my knowledge together – Everything was explained really clearly and in an engaging way” KN

2. You are not the only expert in the room

I have been in the cancer field for around 30 years and would argue that I know quite a bit about the disease, but I do not know everything! There are always some people in the room who have more knowledge in certain areas. Or have an insight into something that they are working on which is beneficial to the group.

Do not feel that you must be the oracle on everything. Use the expertise in the room. Admit when you do not know something and ask if anyone has anything to offer. Always offer to research the area and feedback to the person who might have asked the question!

3. Use different media

I have found it important to use different teaching tools to get the message across. Some people are fine with PowerPoint presentations; some people prefer the written word on a handout for example. Others yet like diagrams and pictures, whilst others still will prefer videos and clips.

Mix it up a bit. Be aware that different people learn in different ways and demonstrate that you can cater for these different learning types. Where possible use analogies to bring across difficult and complex ideas. I often use a piece of paper which I crumple up to simulate a poorly differentiated cancer cell. The analogy is not perfect, but people ‘get it’, and the amount of lightbulb moments had with this simple analogy defies belief.

“The demonstrations with the crumpled paper, and passing around the mug for tea were really helpful in demonstrating some of the key concepts. Simple but very effective!”

4. Get rid of the desk!

I must admit, this is a pet hate of mine. I have seen to many lecturers, teachers, facilitators, call them what you like, hide behind their desks. To me the desk is a barrier to effective learning. Yes, your attendees might prefer a desk, they might have to write things and that is perfectly understandable. But do you need to stand behind a podium? or sit at a desk? Not in my opinion.

Getting rid of the desk allows you to be more approachable. Having a desk makes it too much like school and your attendees will not thank you for that. Without the desk, you may feel more vulnerable, but that is OK. This apparent vulnerability makes you part of the group. This is a learning environment and being part of the group will allow you to bring your learning across in a more friendly and safe environment.

A friendly and safe environment is crucial in make attendees feel comfortable. It allows them to ask that ‘stupid’ question, because they are not afraid of being told off by the teacher!

“No previous knowledge was assumed; I didn’t feel embarrassed asking “silly questions”. I felt it was a very relaxed learning environment” TK

“Good to break down the meanings of words/parts of words. Felt comfortable answering/asking questions and liked the interactive aspect of the quizzes etc.” KN

5. Use Learning reinforcement instead of tests!

Unless you are preparing for an exam where a pass mark is essential! Learning reinforcement places a different emphasis on what is required. I always refer to ‘Learning Reinforcement Exercises’ rather than ‘Test’. I use it on any agenda, I say it during the sessions. Why? Because I want attendees to understand that getting it right is not the point here, but understanding is! Sometimes when people get a question ‘wrong’ it allows for a whole new learning opportunity where you can ‘reinforce’ the learning point at hand.

With a Learning Reinforcement Exercise, there is no pass mark…it places the emphasis solely on learning

6. Repetition of salient points

“I also think the repetition of the key points really helped my understanding”

“…repeating and going back, made for thorough learning.”

Don’t expect people to ‘get it’ straight away. It may take two, three, four…even more times for it to sink in. Do not be afraid to repeat salient points. Ask questions so that to make sure people understand. After each break, before continuing with the next session I always go over what we have previously covered. I ask if my attendees have any questions, if they do, great…if they do not…I do not assume they know it so I will fire off a couple of questions to gauge understanding!

Remember, you are there to facilitate their learning…that is your role!

7. Be prepared!… And be prepared to adapt!

“Best laid plans and all…” It is important that you prepare as well as you can for each session. Research your material, make sure you have all your handouts. Get to the teaching/meeting/conference room early so that you can get set up. Nothing worse, in my opinion, to be rushing around setting up whilst attendees are arriving. Yes, there are always attendees that arrive particularly early, that cannot be helped, but try and make sure that everything is set up for when people arrive.

When people arrive, greet them personally if you can (in very large groups this might not be possible). I always think that this personal approach makes people feel more comfortable and you more approachable during the session.

But, even after all the best preparation, things can and do go wrong. There is a fire alarm! The projectors do not work! You have forgotten something! Be adaptable, go with the flow. How you react in those circumstances sets the tone for the whole day. Stay focused, relax, explain what is going on and continue to do the best that you can. If you are honest with your attendees and include them, they will forgive you most of the time!

8. DO NOT READ FROM YOUR SLIDES!

Capitalised for greater effect! I detest this!

I have been to so many teaching sessions and presentation where people just read from the slides. Give me the slide and I can read it myself…thank you.

When you are reading from your slides, it demonstrates to me that you are not comfortable with the subject area.

Looking at your slides means you are not looking at your attendees. Your attendees are coming to your session to gain some insight. You need to engage with them. You do this by looking at them. Make them feel that you are focussed on their learning and that their learning is important to you. This cannot happen if you are just reading from your slides. You are going through the motions; you are not focussed on what matters and that is your attendees’ learning.

This goes back to the previous point of being prepared. A PowerPoint presentation should give headlines about salient points, and you should be able to talk around and through the slide, giving insight and background to what is presented. That’s why you are there…you are the value added of the PowerPoint presentation.

“Continue doing as you are doing! Your ability to explain your meaning through the use of everyday situations / items, was very useful in helping me to understand information and your motivational personality made this a very interesting and captivating experience. I’m quite chuffed with myself / my quiz results and it’s all thanks to you!” HW

I am sure I have forgotten some other useful hints & tips, and if I remember them I will post them here in a further edition. If you have any hints or advise that could help me or others, then please share them here in the comments.

Although I teach about cancer, most of what I am discussing here is transferable across all sectors. If you need help in improving your presentation skills and/or style, then feel free to get in touch. And please share this article if you feel it will benefit others.

‘till next time.

David

doh@ohconsultancy.co.uk

David is a renowned specialist in cancer education and training. He runs cancer training for Cancer Research UK, National Cancer Registration & Analysis Service, Clinical Coders throughout the UK, Clinical Trials Units across the UK. With over 25 years of teaching experience you are guaranteed high quality cancer education and training.

YOUR cancer knowledge is MY priority

NCRAS is part of the NCIN, a UK-wide initiative, working to drive improvements in standards of cancer care and clinical outcomes by improving and using the information collected about cancer patients for analysis, publication and research. Responsible for collecting, quality assuring, evaluating and analysing cancer data, it is imperative that they have a sound knowledge about cancer.

I am proud, and priviledged, to have been teaching cancer to the registration service of the UK & Ireland for over 20 years. And I continue to be impressed by their enthusiasm and dedication to their work.

This three day Anatomy & Oncology course introduced the rgistry staff to a lot of cancer knowledge and terminology. Day one focusses the fundamentals of cancer and cancer biology. In particular we focussed on the charactersitics that cancer cells have whioh allow them to metastasise.

With these building blocks in place, we were able to concentrate on various tumour specific sites during days two and three. Leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, breast cancer, lung cancer, bowel cancer and others were all covered in detail, allowing the registry staff to get a very good all round understanding of this disease.

It wasn’t all work…actually it was, but we had a lot of fun doing loads of learning reinforcement exercises (they kept calling them tests, but I was insistent on the name!), to help consolidate what we had learned. All in all a brilliant three days.

Here’s a snippet of what they thought about the course.

“I found all of the Course content interesting and informative. Each topic covered was delivered in an interesting and thought-provoking way, which made the challenging subject matter more easy to absorb.” C Allen

“I thought the course was well run and very well presented in a very good atmosphere” C Thompson

So really pleased with how things went. I will be teaching more cancer registration staff at the end of November in Leeds and can guarantee that we will have another great course.

And by the way, I managed to see the Magna Carta in Salisbury Cathedral and take a visit to Stonehenge…both magnificent.

Give me a call or email if you feel your staff could benefit from my courses and webinars.

’till next time

David