Course Summary

Colorectal cancer causes the highest rate of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Raised awareness of colorectal cancer and its prevention has led to screening guidelines that have helped reduce the incidence and mortality rates of this illness. Despite this increased awareness and the potential efficacy of screening for colorectal cancer, the rate of screening examinations is lower than would be expected. The continuance of barriers to colorectal cancer screening and prevention differs depending on multiple factors, such as age and cultural influences. Additionally, there are associations between colorectal cancer screening participants and screening discussions between patients and their clinicians. Discussion content and processes can influence the timing and frequency associated with decision-making and an intent to bypass a screening examination. Future efforts to increase awareness amongst members of the health team, patients and their families are needed to improve safe and appropriate colorectal cancer screening and prevention practices.

Course Format

Homestudy

Course Syllabus

• Introduction
• Colorectal Cancer: Overview
  • Signs and Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer
  • Causes of Colorectal Cancer
  • Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer
• Diagnosis and Staging
  • Colonoscopy
  • CT Colonoscopy
  • Staging Colon Cancer
• Surgical Treatment
  • Early-Stage Colon Cancer
  • Invasive Colon Cancer
  • Advanced Cancer
• Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy
  • Targeted Drug Therapy
• Prevention of Colorectal Cancer
  • Lifestyle Factors
  • Prevention and High Risk Population
• Case Study: Familial Adenomatous Polyposis
  • Discussion
• Summary

Author

Noah H. Carpenter, MD

Dr. Noah Carpenter is a Thoracic and Peripheral Vascular Surgeon. He completed his Bachelor of Science in chemistry and medical school and training at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Carpenter completed surgical residency and fellowship at the University of Edmonton and Affiliated Hospitals in Edmonton, Alberta, and an additional Adult Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery fellowship at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. He has specialized in microsurgical techniques, vascular endoscopy, laser and laparoscopic surgery in Brandon, Manitoba and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and in Colorado, Texas, and California. Dr. Carpenter has an Honorary Doctorate of Law from the University of Calgary, and was appointed a Citizen Ambassador to China, and has served as a member of the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada, the Canadian College of Health Service Executives, the Science Institute of the Northwest Territories, Canada Science Council, and the International Society of Endovascular Surgeons, among others. He has been an inspiration to youth, motivating them to understand the importance of achieving higher education.