Breast Cancer: The Nurse’s Role in Shaping the Future

Target Audience

This 6.0 hour continuing education course is designed for all oncology nurses as well as the general profession of nursing.  The goal of this course is to enhance and support the nurse’s role in caring for breast cancer patients and their designated family or caregivers following therapy.

The day will begin with an update on the latest information on the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.  Additional speakers will highlight post-treatment challenges for patients including nutritional issues, fatigue, and neuropathy.  These presentations support a holistic approach towards improvement in post-treatment symptom management for breast cancer patients by focusing on Complimentary Medicine, Nutritional Interventions, and Physical Therapy.

At the end of the day, participants will leave the program having gained a new perspective on the physical challenges and support needed for the breast cancer patient and family after treatment.

Course Objectives

1. Identify one new treatment option for breast cancer.
2. Name two common side effects that patients experience following breast cancer treatment.
3. Identify three physical changes that result in fatigue secondary to breast cancer treatments.
4. Discuss and implement two innovative nutritional interventions specific to the breast cancer patient’s post treatment challenges.
5. Name one technique used in complimentary medicine that will help with symptom management following breast cancer treatment.

Course Outline

Upon completion of the course, the participant will be able to:

7:45 – 8:15	Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:15 – 8:30	Introduction and details of the day
8:30 – 9:30	Breast Cancer - Overview of diagnosis and treatments
9:30 – 10:30	Complimentary interventions with breast cancer patients
10:30 – 10:45	Break
10:45 – 11:45	Complimentary interventions with breast cancer patients (cont.)
11:45 – 12:45	Lunch
12:45 – 2:15	Nutritional Interventions – Food as Medicine
2:15 – 2:30	Break
2:30 – 4:00	Physical Therapy interventions
4:00 – 4:15	Q & A / Evaluations