- Level Foundation
- Duration 8 hours
- Course by Johns Hopkins University
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Offered by
About
Over 500,000 people in the United States and over 8 million people worldwide are dying every year from cancer. As people live longer, the incidence of cancer is rising worldwide and the disease is expected to strike over 20 million people annually by 2030. This open course is designed for people who would like to develop an understanding of cancer and how it is prevented, diagnosed, and treated. The course introduces the molecular biology of cancer (oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes) as well as the biologic hallmarks of cancer. The course also describes the risk factors for the major cancers worldwide, including lung cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, and stomach cancer. We explain how cancer is staged, the major ways cancer is found by imaging, and how the major cancers are treated. In addition to the core materials, this course includes two Honors lessons devoted to cancers of the liver and prostate. Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to: - Identify the major types of cancer worldwide. (Lecture 1) - Describe how genes contribute to the risk and growth of cancer. (Lecture 2) - List and describe the ten cellular hallmarks of cancer. (Lecture 3) - Define metastasis, and identify the major steps in the metastatic process. (Lecture 4) - Describe the role of imaging in the screening, diagnosis, staging, and treatments of cancer. (Lecture 5) - Explain how cancer is treated. (Lecture 6) We hope that this course gives you a basic understanding of cancer biology and treatment. The course is not designed for patients seeking treatment guidance " but it can help you understand how cancer develops and provides a framework for understanding cancer diagnosis and treatment.Modules
Welcome to the Course
1
Videos
- Welcome to the Course
4
Readings
- Welcome
- Grading and Honors Lesson
- Suggested Reading List
- Pre-Course Survey
Incidence and Etiology of Cancer - Ken Pienta
4
Videos
- Incidence and Etiology Overview
- Incidence and Etiology of Cancer
- Cancer Incidence
- The Common Cancers
Quiz
1
Assignment
- Introduction Quiz
Genetics of Cancer - Sarah Amend
4
Videos
- Genetics Overview
- Basic Introduction to Genetics
- Genetic Variation and Mutation
- Two-Hit Hypothesis and Genomic Instability
Quiz
1
Assignment
- Genetics Quiz
Ten Cellular Hallmarks of Cancer - Jelani Zarif
4
Videos
- Cellular Hallmarks Overview
- The Human Cell and Hallmarks of Cancer 1-5
- The Human Cell and Cellular Hallmarks Cancer 6-8
- Cellular Hallmarks of Cancer 9 & 10: Preparing the Cancer Cell to Move and Metastasize
Quiz
1
Assignment
- Hallmarks Quiz
Metastasis: The Real Killer - Ken Valkenburg
5
Videos
- Metastasis Overview
- Introduction to Metastasis
- TNM Staging
- The Metastatic Process
- An Ecological Paradigm: Why Do Cancer Cells Metastasize from the Primary Tumor?
Quiz
1
Assignment
- Metastasis Quiz
Imaging in Oncology - Diane Reyes
5
Videos
- Imaging Overview
- Introduction to Imaging
- Types of Imaging
- Imaging in Clinical Oncology
- Theory of Oligometastasis and How Treatment is Supported by Imaging
Quiz
1
Assignment
- Imaging Quiz
Treatment - Ken Pienta
4
Videos
- Treatment Overview
- Types of Treatment
- Types of Treatments for Individual Cancers
- Clinical Trials
Quiz
1
Assignment
- Treatment Quiz
1
Videos
- Wrap-Up
Post-Course Survey
1
Readings
- Post-Course Survey
Introduction to Liver Cancer
1
Assignment
- Liver Cancer Quiz
4
Videos
- Liver Cancer Overview
- Incidence, Risk Factors, Screening
- Staging For Liver Cancer
- Treatment of Liver Cancer
Auto Summary
Discover the intricate world of cancer biology with "Introduction to the Biology of Cancer." This foundational course, led by Coursera, delves into the molecular mechanisms, risk factors, and treatments of major cancers such as lung, breast, and liver. Over approximately 480 minutes, learners will explore oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and the hallmarks of cancer. Ideal for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of cancer, the course offers flexible subscription options, including Starter, Professional, and Paid tiers. Join now to deepen your knowledge of cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Kenneth J. Pienta, M.D.