The course unit has been running for a number of years and is constantly evolving in order to keep abreast
of the changing nature of practice. This is undertaken through close collaboration between the University
of Manchester School of Nursing staff and the practitioners involved in the care of the breast cancer
patients and their families. This team approach aims to integrate theory into practice and is seen as an
essential component of the course unit.
As breast cancer affects 1 in 9 women in the United Kingdom (Cancer Research U.K.2009) the course unit
is seen as an important component of the cancer pathway. Approximately45, 822 new cases are reported
each year and 12,100 women die from the disease making it a leading cause of cancer deaths in women
(Cancer Research U.K. 2009) It recognized that the disease evokes feelings of fear and dread and the
diagnosis creates a range of psychological and psychosocial problems (Maguire 1994, Corner & Bailey
2010)
There is a growing recognition that this group of women will need support in adjusting to the diagnosis of
breast cancer and subsequent treatments, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and
endocrine therapy. It is now widely accepted that breast cancer nurses with appropriate training and
expertise should be integral members of the health care team.
During the course unit you will be given the opportunity to develop, extend and integrate your existing
knowledge and skills in relation to delivery of care to this client group. Current treatment options will be
discussed alongside broader concepts such as rehabilitation, health promotion and quality of life issues.
An important component within the course unit involves personal and professional development and
through the use of interactive workshops we aim to develop your interpersonal competence.
Students will normally have the opportunity to receive feedback on formative work submitted prior to the summative assessment. Other feedback opportunities will also be available in class and online discussion boards. Online feedback is provided in Grademark. Provisional feedback based on internal marking will be made available prior to the Exam Board on the basis that these marks are yet to be ratified at the Exam Board and therefore may be subject to change. A standard feedback mechanism in Grademark is utilised across all postgraduate programmes within the School which provides detailed and constructive feedback on each component and aspect of assessment and identifies areas of strength and those aspects which could be enhanced.
Student feedback is obtained through open discussion forums on blackboard, in class discussions, via formal University unit evaluation forms and also qualitative, in house evaluations at the end of the unit.