Breast Cancer Survivor Informed Psychosocial Oncology Framework

This module provides an overview of the conceptualization framework that helps clinicians identify factors affecting breast cancer survivors’ experiences and the unique challenges they face. Participants will engage in interactive case discussions to develop breast-cancer-survivor- informed therapeutic goals.

• Identify genetic, experiential, and psychosocial factors that shape the response of individuals to the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer
• Summarize the unique coping challenges during the survivorship phase of breast cancer
• Develop therapeutic goals for psychosocial interventions during the breast cancer survivorship

Psychosocial Distress Screening and Management

This module provides an overview of guideline-driven psychosocial distress screening tools and management strategies as well as community resources to decrease distress and increase support for breast cancer survivors.

• Integrate guideline-driven approach to assess distress commonly experienced by breast cancer patients and co-survivors
• Develop strategies to incorporate distress screening and management into clinical practices that best suit your service
• Identify the community resources for distress management

Evidence-Based Psychosocial Interventions Series I: Depression, Anxiety, and PTSD in Breast Cancer

This module provides an overview on evidence-based treatments (EBTs) targeting depression, anxiety, and PTSD management for breast cancer survivors and co-survivors. Participants will learn to incorporate assessment and EBT strategies to decrease symptom burden and improve treatment outcomes.

• Identify the impact of breast cancer on patients coping with depression, anxiety and PTSD symptoms
• Assess nature and severity of depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms resulting from breast cancer
• Integrate evidence-based interventions to treat depression, anxiety, and PTSD in breast cancer patients and caregivers

Evidence-Based Psychosocial Interventions Series II: Insomnia, Fatigue, Pain in Breast Cancer

This module provides an overview of evidence-based treatments (EBTs) targeting insomnia, fatigue, and pain that is commonly seen in breast cancer survivors. Participants will learn to incorporate pharmacological and psychosocial interventions to improve symptom management and quality of life.

• Examine management of insomnia, fatigue, and pain resulting from breast cancer treatments
• Identify tools available to assess cancer-related insomnia, fatigue, and pain
• Integrate evidence-based interventions to treat insomnia, fatigue, and pain in breast cancer patients

Sexuality, Body Image, and Intimacy

This module reviews common concerns around sexuality, body image, and intimacy in breast cancer survivorship. Participants will learn to assess these common concerns and explore interdisciplinary approaches to enhance sexual and relational wellbeing across the breast cancer journey.

• Describe common concerns around sexuality, body image, and intimacy in breast cancer
• Apply evidence-based techniques to assess cancer-related sexual dysfunctions
• Integrate interdisciplinary strategies to enhance sexual and relational wellbeing across breast cancer journey

Culturally Sensitive Patient-Provider Communication

This module provides an overview on cultural competency and culturally sensitive communication in breast cancer care. Participants will examine barriers to effective communication and incorporate strategies to improve culturally sensitive patient-provider communication.

• Define culturally sensitive patient-provider communication.
• Examine barriers to effective communication
• Discuss communication strategies to improve culturally sensitive patient-provider communication

Legacy Building, Grief, and Bereavement

This module provides an overview of grief due to breast cancer diagnosis and life transitions. Participants will learn to incorporate acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) strategies and bereavement resources to facilitate legacy building and memory making activities and to enhance grief coping and support.

• Define five types of grief associated with breast cancer diagnosis and life transitions
• Apply acceptance and commitment therapy to enhance memory making and legacy building
• Utilize local and online bereavement resources to support breast cancer survivors and loved ones

Spirituality and Faith-Based Coping

This module provides an overview of spirituality and faith-based coping that many breast cancer survivors rely on during their cancer journey. Participants will learn to identify key functions of religion, compare the role of spirituality and faith in illness coping, and differentiate positive and negative faith-based coping.

• Identify key functions of religion
• Compare how spirituality and faith play a role in coping with illness
• Differentiate positive and negative faith-based coping activities and its application in clinical practices

Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatments

• List methods used to diagnose cancer
• Identify three most common types of breast cancer treatments.
• Summarize how treatments are chosen based off the characteristics of breast cancer

Common Psychosocial Side Effects and Pharmacological Considerations

• Describe common psychosocial side effects of breast cancer diagnosis and treatments
• Examine psychological and pharmacological considerations in treating depression and chemo brain
• Discuss potential drug interactions in breast cancer that may impact psychosocial and cognitive symptom management

Common Physical Side Effects of Breast Cancer Treatment

• Describe common toxicities associated with chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and hormonal therapy and impact on patient outcomes
• Identify common acute and chronic side effects from radiation therapy
• Discuss common side effects associated with breast cancer surgery and impact on patient outcomes

Financial Toxicity: Financial Impact of Cancer

• Define financial toxicity
• Recognize sources of financial burden on cancer patients
• Identify the three domains of financial toxicity
• Apply strategies to address patients’ financial needs

Breast Cancer Survivorship

• Define key domains of breast cancer survivorship
• Discuss recommendations on best practice in managing breast cancer survivorship care
• Apply local and national resources to support breast cancer surveillance, long-term effect assessment and health promotion

Greater Birmingham Breast Cancer Support Resources

• Define the long-term effects of a breast cancer diagnosis on the survivor and their loved ones
• Identify the benefits of emotional support and resources for survivors and co-survivors
• Apply community support resources for breast cancer survivors and their loved ones

University of Alabama at Birmingham
Community Health Service Building

CH19 Ste. 219, 933 19th Street South
Birmingham, AL 35205