Learn more about group purchasing and volume discount pricing.
Description
Caring for patients with cancer can be challenging, especially for new oncology nurses or those working outside of cancer care. This introductory course provides a foundation for providing care to patients experiencing a cancer diagnosis, treatment complications or trouble coping.
Complete redesign of the content includes:
- Information about genetics, new treatment strategies, cancer disparities, and symptom management
- Integration of interactive learning and printable resources
- Reorganization of the content into smaller modules so learners can plan their approach to completing the course
- Addition of learning checkpoint questions throughout the entire course to reinforce content
The course is offered on demand. Instructions on how to immediately access the course will be sent to you in an automatically generated email receipt after you register.
You will enjoy access for 180 days from date of purchase, after which you will no longer be able to access the course.
Learn more about group purchasing and volume discount pricing.
Updated 12/31/25
Course Topics
- Characteristics of cancer and cancer cells
- Key concepts in the genomic basis of cancer
- Cancer risk, screening, prevention, and diagnosis
- Cancer treatment modalities and their common side effects
- Evidence-based symptom management
- Recommendations for patient and family education
- Clinical trials and their role in cancer research
- Supporting cancer survivors
- Ethical considerations in cancer care
Foundations of Oncology Nursing Practice Bundle
Don't want to choose between courses? This course is included in the ONS Foundations of Oncology Nursing Practice Bundle™. Save when you purchase these courses together or you may also purchase individually.
Expected Outcomes
Upon completion of this activity, the learner will demonstrate increased knowledge of cancer and its treatment.
Target Audience
From nurses, nursing students, nursing instructors to industry representatives, case managers, social workers, medical librarians, insurance company claims reviewers, and other healthcare professionals working in oncology, Cancer Basics provides you with a concentrated, self-paced learning experience on the fundamentals of cancer biology, cancer treatment, management of cancer-related symptoms, and patient and family care.
ILNA Breakdown
Content in this learning activity is applicable to meeting individual requirements for certification renewal through the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation's Individual Learning Needs Assessment (ILNA) renewal method.
Up to 1.5 ILNA points may be applied to: Health Promotion/Early Detection and Screening OR Palliative Care OR Treatment OR Survivorship. Up to 3.0 ILNA points may be applied to: Care Continuum OR Professional Practice OR Scientific Basis for Practice OR Symptom Management. Up to 4.5 ILNA points may be applied to: Psychosocial. Up to 6.0 ILNA points may be applied to: Oncology Nursing Practice. No more than 6 total points may be claimed for the program.
The Individual Learning Needs Assessment (ILNA™) is a component of ONCC certification renewal. Learn more about ONCC certification renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this course offer pharmacology content?
Yes, this course contains some pharmacology content. View our estimated pharmcology content page for an estimate for this particular course.
Technical Requirements
For optimal performance, and to fully participate in ONS online courses, it will be necessary to use one of the browsers listed below.
Supported Browsers for Desktop or Laptop Computers*:
- Firefox 3+ Download the latest version
- Internet Explorer 11+ (for Windows 8 and previous versions) Download the latest version
- Internet Edge Browser (for Windows 10+) Download the latest version
- Safari 3.1+ Download the latest version
- Google Chrome Download the latest version
*Use of an earlier version will prohibit the ability to post discussions or view some materials within the course properly.
After upgrading to one of these supported browser versions, please ensure your computer is set up to support the following additional requirements before beginning the lessons.
Additional Requirements**:
- Javascript Click here to check if Javascript is enabled
- Enable Javascript Click here for instructions to enable Javascript
- Enable Cookies Click here for instructions to enable cookies
- Access to YouTube Link to the ONS YouTube Channel
**If you're using a work computer for your course, the installation of these components may require assistance from the IT department at your place of business.