Primary health care professionals, specifically general practitioners and nurses play a vital role throughout the cancer care continuum (McAvoy, Fletcher & Elwood, 2007). Due to the often highly complex nature of cancer screening, diagnosis, management, treatment and the mounting emergence of cancer as a chronic condition Melbourne General Practice Network has compiled an overview of some of the cancer educational activities available to primary health care professionals (McAvoy, Fletcher & Elwood, 2007,2007, CCA, 2009).

General Practitioner CPD education

Cancer Australia

• Learning activities page provides a number of free online learning activities and resources on screening, prevention, specific cancers, treatments and coordination and multidisciplinary care teams.

gp learning

• Gynecological cancers module Examines female cancers and psychosocial care (Category 1 CPD point and has been approved for Women's Health points).
• Managing breast symptoms GPs will develop / hone existing skills in identifying breast lumps/masses, nipple symptoms/ complaints and breast symptoms and complaints in female patients. (Category 1 CPD points).
• Improving delivery and uptake of HPV vaccination of women in general practice setting (Category 1 CA points)

Think gp

• Cancer and Sexuality GPs will develop tools to assist them in the assessment, diagnosis and management of issues relating to sexuality in patient who have had cancer. (Accredited with: ACRRM 1 CME PD, RACGP 2 CPD, RCNA 1 CNE)
  
• The prevention and early detection of skin cancer in general practice Guides GPs through the epidemiology of skin cancer in Australia, skin cancer prevention and discuss a balanced approach to UV and vitamin D awareness, diagnosis and management (accredited with: ACRRM 3 CME PD, RACGP 4 CPD, RCNA 6 CNE).
  
• Lifestyle risk factors: Evidence based strategies to support behavior change designed to provide health professionals with support and the tools to undertake and encourage patients to make the lifestyle changes that support good health (accredited: ACRRM 6 CME PD, RACGP 4 CPD, RCNA 6 CNE).
  
• Biopsy Techniques, Skin Cancer Prevention and Vitamin D Discusses the link between UV exposure, skin cancer and vitamin D. Exploring safe UV exposure, methods for skin examinations and discusses the various biopsy options available (accredited with: ACRRM 4 CME PD, RACGP 4 CPD, RCNA 2 CNE).
  
• Diagnosis and management of non-melanoma skin cancer Examines the assessment and management of non-melanoma skin cancers, exploring the epidemiology, risk factors and clinical features of each condition (accredited with: ACRRM 4 CME PD, RACGP 4 CPD, RCNA 2 CNE).
  
• Diagnosis and treatment of melanoma Examines the assessment and management of non-melanoma skin cancers, exploring the epidemiology, risk factors and clinical features of each condition (accredited with: ACRRM 4 CME PD, RACGP 4 CPD, RCNA 2 CNE).

EviQEd provides primary health care cancer health professionals with online education modules and courses to standardize and implement best clinical practice.

Practice Nurse Education

Cancer Australia

• Learning activities page provides a number of free online learning activities and resources on screening, prevention, specific cancers, treatments and coordination and multidisciplinary care teams.

Skin Cancer College of Australia and New Zealand

• Practice Nurse Workshop on Skin Cancer a two day workshop which will enable nurses to develop specific knowledge and skills on skin cancers, wound management and the primary health care environment.

EdCaN

• Online education and information for both Enrolled and Registered Nurses on specific cancers, management, treatment and the role of a nurse in cancer care.

Cancer Council Victoria

• Cancer prevention for health professionals 4hour workshop that will discuss cancer, cancer prevention and screening programs and will assist primary health care professionals deliver cancer education to patients / consumers.

EviQEd provides primary health care cancer health professionals with online education modules and courses to standardize and implement best clinical practice.

Reference List
Cancer Council Australia (CCA). (2009). Towards a national primary health care strategy: comments in response to the Department of Health and Ageing discussion paper. Primary Health Care Review. Cited, December, 20th, 2011, from www.cancer.org.au/File/PolicyPublications/Submissions/Towards-a-national-primary-health-care-strategy-Feb09.pdf.

McAvoy, B., Fletcher, J., & Elwood, M. (2007). Cancer education and training in primary health care: A national audit of training providers. Australian Family Physician. 36 (11): 973-976. Cited, December, 20th, 2011, from www.racgp.org.au/afp/200711/200711McAvoy.pdf.