Understanding Cancer Support - Level 2
Summary
Are you interested in developing the knowledge and understanding needed to support individuals living with cancer? This course will introduce you to the key principles of cancer care, including how cancer affects individuals, the support they may need, and how to provide compassionate, person-centred care.
You will gain insight into the physical and emotional impact of cancer, along with the importance of communication and support for both individuals and their families. This qualification is ideal if you are looking to progress into health and social care, enhance your current role, or build your knowledge as part of a specialist care pathway.
Entry Requirements
Technical Entry Requirements:
- Age: 19 years or over (19+)
Additional Non-Qualification-Based Entry Requirements:
- DBS Check: A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is not required for enrolment on this course. However, it is essential for those seeking employment or voluntary work involving vulnerable adults. This check is typically arranged through your employer or placement provider.
- English and Maths: A basic level of proficiency in English and Maths is recommended to support your learning and understanding of the course content.
These entry requirements ensure that learners are prepared to engage fully with the course and are aware of the expectations for future progression or employment in mental health and care-related roles.
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
This course is a valuable qualification for those aspiring to work in health and social care settings where providing compassionate, person-centred support is essential. It develops knowledge and understanding of how to support individuals living with cancer, including both their physical and emotional needs.
This qualification is part of the Palliative and Specialist Care Pathway, which includes a series of nationally recognised courses designed to enhance your skills and knowledge
PALLIATIVE AND SPECIALIST CARE PATHWAY
NCFE Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of End of Life Care
NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Cancer Support
NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
Completing this course can support progression into further qualifications and specialised roles within the sector, enhancing employability and opening up opportunities within health and social care, particularly in cancer support, palliative care and wider supportive care settings.
Next steps at B&FC
Completing these qualifications can lead to advanced studies and specialised roles. You can also progress to:
- NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
- Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care
- Foundation Degree in Mental Health
Employment Opportunities
This qualification is particularly valuable for those seeking entry-level roles in health and social care environments where compassion, empathy and person-centred support are essential, particularly when supporting individuals living with cancer.
Potential job titles or roles learners may consider include:
Care Assistant (Residential or Nursing Homes) | Healthcare Assistant | Support Worker | Cancer Support Worker | Palliative Care Support Worker | Domiciliary Care Worker | Hospice Care Assistant | Community Support Worker | Macmillan Support Volunteer | Personal Assistant (Direct Payment or Individual Employer)
Key information
Qualification obtained
Certificate in Understanding Cancer SupportFees and funding
Please visit our Financial Support page for more information about fees, funding and eligibility.
Extra costs and equipment
There are no additional costs associated with this course.
What will I learn?
This course is made up of four key areas, designed to build your knowledge and confidence in supporting individuals living with cancer:
Cancer awareness
Gain an understanding of what cancer is, including types, causes and common treatments.
Introduction to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer
Explore how cancer is diagnosed and the different treatment options available.
Introduction to cancer care and support
Learn how to support individuals living with cancer, focusing on their physical and emotional needs.
Introduction to end of life and bereavement care
Understand how to support individuals and families during end of life and through bereavement.
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
There is no mandatory work placement required for this course, making it accessible to learners who may not currently be working or volunteering in a care setting. However, gaining voluntary or part-time experience in environments such as care homes, supported living services, or community outreach programmes can significantly enhance your understanding and employability.
At Blackpool and The Fylde College, we enrich your learning experience through guest speakers and employer engagement events. These sessions feature professionals from care services, support teams and local health and social care organisations.
How will I learn?
Our courses are delivered through a blended learning approach, combining the benefits of face-to-face teaching with the flexibility of digital resources.
The programme primarily focuses on theoretical knowledge but also includes practical hands-on elements to enhance learning and application. This flexible approach ensures that learners can engage with the material in a way that best suits their needs.
Interactive Lectures: Engaging lectures that encourage learner participation and discussion.
Group Work: Collaborative projects and activities that foster teamwork and communication skills.
Practical Workshops: Hands-on sessions where learners can apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.
Online Resources: Access to a wealth of online materials, including videos, articles, and interactive modules.
This flexible yet structured approach ensures that you receive the guidance, peer interaction, and practical experience needed to succeed in the sector.
Expert tutors
All tutors involved in the delivery of adult courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.
Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich our students’ learning experience and enable them to get the inside track on what working in the industry is really like.
How will I be assessed?
Students will be assessed through a combination of methods designed to evaluate their understanding and practical application of the course material. The assessment process is structured to ensure that students can demonstrate their knowledge and skills effectively.
Assessment Methods:
- Portfolio of Evidence: Throughout the course, students will compile a portfolio of evidence that showcases their learning and achievements. This portfolio will include various forms of assessment such as written assignments, case studies, and practical tasks.
- Written Assignments: These assignments will test students' understanding of theoretical concepts and their ability to apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios.
- Case Studies: Students will analyse specific situations related to childhood illnesses, demonstrating their problem-solving skills and ability to provide appropriate care and support.
Grading:
- The course is assessed on a pass or fail basis. Students must meet all the assessment criteria for each unit to achieve a pass.
- The portfolio of evidence is a crucial component of the assessment process, as it provides comprehensive proof of the student's competence and understanding.