Dear Students,
Welcome to the Propedeutics of Oncology course.
This course is designed to provide a foundational understanding of oncology. It will introduce you to
the biological, clinical, and public health aspects of cancer, with a focus on early detection, prevention,
and awareness.
Course Format
The course will consist of lecture-based sessions only. Attendance at all lectures is mandatory to
complete the course.
Course Content Overview
The lectures will cover the following key topics:
- Oncogenesis
- Mechanisms of tumor development and cellular transformation.
- Mutagenesis and Cancer Genetics
- The role of genetic mutations in cancer initiation and progression.
- Oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes.
- Cancer Risk Factors
- Environmental, lifestyle, genetic, and occupational factors.
- Modifiable and non-modifiable risks.
- Warning Signs and Symptoms of Cancer
- How cancer manifests clinically across different organs and systems.
- Cancer Detection and Diagnosis
- Diagnostic methods including imaging, histopathology, and biomarkers.
- Importance of early-stage diagnosis for improved prognosis.
- Population-Level Prophylaxis and Prevention
- Screening programs, vaccinations (e.g. HPV, HBV), and lifestyle interventions.
- Strategies to reduce cancer mortality through public health policies.
Student Responsibilities & Assessment
To complete the course, students must fulfill the following requirements:
- Attend all lectures – Attendance is compulsory and will be monitored.
- Prepare and deliver a presentation: Each student (or group) will be assigned a specific type
of cancer by the lecturer.
- You will research this topic and present your findings in class, including:
- Epidemiology
- Risk factors
- Typical clinical presentation
- Diagnostic approaches
- Available treatments
- Preventive measures
The quality of your presentation will contribute to your final assessment.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe the basic biological mechanisms of cancer development.
- Identify major risk factors and signs of cancer.
- Understand how cancers are diagnosed and the importance of early detection.
- Recognize key strategies in cancer prevention and population health.