Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more The course is suitable for anyone with an interest in the topic and aims to help with both personal and professional conversations about cancer and health. The course is particularly relevant for those working or volunteering in the following areas: health advocacy, care and support work, community health centres and services, GP surgeries, mental health, nursing, occupational therapy, oncology, osteopathy, pharmacy, physiotherapy, dentistry, public health, radiotherapy, sexual health, social work, or any other healthcare. The course does not require any previous experience of this subject. You can use the hashtag #FLTalkingCancer to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

• Key facts and health messages about cancer prevention, screening and early diagnosis, and how to explain them.
• Confidence for having conversations about cancer that help others take positive action.
• Identification of barriers to making lifestyle changes or seeing a doctor.
• Communication methods that overcome barriers and avoid building defensiveness and fear.
• Methods of questioning that help people make decisions for themselves.
• Identifying how our own feelings can affect conversations.
• Directing people to the right places for advice and support.
• Creating an action plan for talking about cancer.