Principles and Practice of Cancer Care

Key information

Duration 

The unit is delivered during semester 1 across 7 face-to-face teaching days at The Christie Education Centre in Manchester.

Start date

1 Oct 2026

Delivery type

Face-to-face teaching at The Christie Education Centre, Manchester.

Delivery style

The programme combines specialist lectures, academic learning, reflective practice and the application of evidence to real-world cancer care.

Learning is designed to help you connect theory with practice, drawing on the specialist clinical knowledge of The Christie and the academic expertise of The University of Manchester.

Experience level

Undergraduate and postgraduate CPD.

Course overview

Principles and Practice of Cancer Care is part of The University of Manchester’s MSc Specialist Practice (Cancer) and has been developed through the partnership between The Christie Institute for Cancer Education and The University of Manchester.

The unit is designed to advance your knowledge and understanding of caring for people living with cancer and their families, while encouraging you to critically consider the impact of contemporary healthcare systems on cancer care.

Throughout the programme, you will explore cancer from both a clinical and person-centred perspective, developing an understanding of the physical, psychological, spiritual and social impact of cancer. You will also consider how patients and families can be supported throughout different stages of the cancer journey.

4 key themes run throughout the unit: Understanding Cancer, Supportive and Palliative Care, Professional Issues, and Organisational Issues.

The partnership brings together specialist clinical knowledge from The Christie with the academic excellence of The University of Manchester, helping you develop analytical and reflective skills that can strengthen clinical decision-making and improve outcomes for patients. 

What to expect

During the unit, you will explore a broad range of topics relevant to contemporary cancer care, including:

• Aetiology and epidemiology of cancer

• Classification of tumours and metastatic spread

• Cancer treatment modalities

• Principles of safe practice when caring for people undergoing cancer treatment

• Management of treatment-related side effects

• Screening and health promotion

• Cancer-related emergencies and principles of their management

• Ethical and legal issues in professional cancer practice

• Evidence-based practice

• Reflective practice

• Current policies and their impact on cancer care delivery and service development

• Models of care across cancer, supportive and palliative care

The unit aims to deepen your understanding of the impact of cancer on both individuals and families, broaden your awareness of the different ways people can be supported throughout their cancer journey, and strengthen the analytical and reflective skills that underpin effective clinical decision-making.

Assessment is designed to encourage you to apply your learning critically to practice, with both formative and summative written assignments included within the unit.

Who is it for?

This unit will be of particular interest to:

• Nurses

• Allied Health Professionals

• Pharmacists

It is suitable for professionals who want to strengthen their understanding of cancer care, develop academically and apply evidence, reflection and critical thinking more confidently within practice.

How to book

Applications close 10 September 2026.

The PDF includes a QR code for registration.

For further information about the unit, contact:

Laura McNab
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
Laura.Mcnab@nhs.net