Overview

This course covers emerging research in the interplay between nutrition and cancer and offers insights into the role of nutrition in three common cancers: breast, colorectal, and prostate. The course stresses advancements in the understanding of carcinogenesis, individualization of nutrition, and cancer treatment and offers an updated take on the role of nutrition during cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship.

Needs Assessment

The understanding of carcinogenesis and of personalized cancer treatment is changing. With more understanding of the hallmarks of carcinogenesis and the role of genetics in the prevention and development of cancers, it is necessary to introduce learners to the complex interactions between cancer, nutrition, cell metabolism, immunity, inflammation, genetics, epigenetics, and the gut microbiome. This course addresses controversies as well — popular diets used by individuals interested in cancer prevention and recovery — offering guidelines to help determine whether following these diets is in a patient's best interest. This course presents the best evidence-based nutritional recommendations for a variety of cancers and preventive nutritional strategies.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, participants will be able to:
  1. Gain familiarity with the epidemiology of cancer.
  2. Develop an understanding of the impact of socioeconomic, racial, mental health, and environmental disparities in cancer care.
  3. Review hallmarks of carcinogenesis and nutritional factors that impact these hallmarks.
  4. Review the interaction between genes, epigenetics, and nutrition.
  5. Explore the rationale, evidence, clinical indications, and contraindications for various dietary patterns on cancer risk and in integrative cancer treatment - specifically carbohydrate and caloric restriction, a ketogenic diet, and fasting.
  6. Gain an appreciation for the carcinogenic influence of insulin resistance and develop familiarity with ways to improve insulin sensitivity.
  7. Evaluate the anti-cancer potential for various dietary phytonutrients and dietary supplements through an analysis of current scientific and clinical evidence.
  8. Apply nutritional information that is specific to cancer types, namely breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers, through a review of summarized clinical evidence and with clinical scenarios, advising virtual patients about nutritional strategies.
  9. Gain insight into evidenced nutritional and physical activity recommendations used for risk reduction and health optimization in cancer survivors.

Curriculum

  • Module 1: Nutrition and Cancer Introduction
  • Module 2: Non-Dietary Risk Factors
  • Module 3: AICR/WCRF Guidelines (Video Commentary)
  • Module 4: How Nutrition and Genes Interact
  • Module 5: Cancer Metabolism
  • Module 6: Insulin Resistance, Obesity, and the Microbiome
  • Module 7: Phytonutrients
  • Module 8: Dietary Patterns and Three Common Cancers
  • Module 9: Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer Survivorship
  • Course Evaluation and Exam

Completion Requirements

Complete all the coursework, course evaluation, and the final test with a score of 70% or better. Upon successful completion, you will be able to print your certificate of completion.

Target Audience

This enduring material educational program is intended for physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and physician assistants. In addition, all healthcare professionals who have an interest in an integrative approach to healing are targeted.

Certificate

When all of the above requirements are met (during the agreed-upon timeline), a link for the completion certificate is available to download and print anytime from "My Account." If a specific credit type was selected at registration, your certificate will indicate earned credits.

Disclaimer

This course does not constitute medical advice. Healthcare providers should exercise their own independent medical judgment.

All case studies and patient scenarios in this course are used for illustrative purposes. All depictions of persons (other than faculty) are models and not actual patients.


Nutrition and Cancer (2024-2026) Disclosure & Education Credit Info

Nursing Continuing Professional Development Information

12.25 NCPD Contact Hours for RNs

Current Approval Period - NCPD

August 29, 2024 to August 28, 2026

Current NCPD Approval Number: 240741E

Completion Requirements

Complete all the coursework, course evaluation, and the final test with a score of 70% or better. You are allowed unlimited re-attempts. Upon successful completion, you will be able to print your certificate of completion.

Relevant Financial Relationship Disclosure Information

Any individuals in a position to control the content of an activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others, are required to disclose all financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.

Dr. Alschuler has disclosed that she is an advisor for Vitazan; is a speaker for NFH Inc., Gaia Herbs, and OptimalRX (relationship has ended); referral commission through Fullscript; receives sponsorship from Kyowa Hakko, American Biosciences, Essential Formulas, and Integrative Therapeutics; and received grant/research support from Pharmavite (relationship has ended).

Dr. Abrams has disclosed that he is an advisor for Wellkasa (Relationship has ended), Cannabotech, Cannformatics, and Lumen (Relationship has ended).

All other individuals in a position to control the content of this activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others, have disclosed that they have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that would constitute a conflict of interest concerning this activity.

This nursing continuing professional development activity was approved by the Colorado Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

COM CME

ACCME/AMA PRA Accreditation and CME Designation Statement

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson designates this enduring material for a maximum of 12.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Current Approval Period - CME

August 29, 2024 to August 28, 2026

Most Recent Review by Author: May 28, 2024

Completion Requirements

Complete all the coursework, course evaluation, and the final test with a score of 70% or better. You are allowed unlimited re-attempts. Upon successful completion, you will be able to print your certificate of completion.

Relevant Financial Relationship Disclosure Information

University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson Continuing Medical Education adheres to the ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CME activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others, are required to disclose all financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.

Dr. Alschuler has disclosed that she is an advisor for Vitazan; is a speaker for NFH Inc., Gaia Herbs, and OptimalRX (relationship has ended); referral commission through Fullscript; receives sponsorship from Kyowa Hakko, American Biosciences, Essential Formulas, and Integrative Therapeutics; and received grant/research support from Pharmavite (relationship has ended).

Dr. Abrams has disclosed that he is an advisor for Wellkasa (Relationship has ended), Cannabotech, Cannformatics, and Lumen (Relationship has ended).

All other individuals in a position to control the content of this activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others, have disclosed that they have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that would constitute a conflict of interest concerning this activity.

Commercial Support

There is no commercial support for this activity.

Faculty / Authors

Lise Alschuler, ND; Professor of Clinical Medicine, University of Arizona; Assistant Director of the Fellowship in Integrative Medicine, Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine

Dawn Lemanne, MD, MPH; Founder of Oregon Integrative Oncology, Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine

Priscilla Abercrombie, RN, PhD, AHN-BC; Founder, Women's Health & Healing Integrative Health Coach

Donald Abrams, MD; Chief, Hematology-Oncology, Zuckerberg Francisco General Hospital; Professor of Clinical Medicine, University of California, San Francisco

Karolyn Gazella; Founder of the Natural Medicine Journal and the host of the Natural Medicine Journal Podcast for integrative healthcare professionals.

Tamara Steinitz, MS, RDN; Professor Emeritus Utah State University Department of Nutrition & Food Sciences, Former Director Didactic Program in Dietetics Utah State University; Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine

Planning Committee

Lise Alschuler, ND; Professor of Clinical Medicine, University of Arizona; Assistant Director of the Fellowship in Integrative Medicine, Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine

Priscilla Abercrombie, RN, PhD, AHN-BC; Founder, Women's Health & Healing Integrative Health Coach

Molly K. Burke, MFA, CMT; Director of Online Education, Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine