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GeneralGeneral
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Breast Health Homepage
This Breast Health introductory course provides foundational theoretical and practical knowledge and skills including how to provide effective counseling regarding breast health. All components of this training are free, including registration, learning, testing, and a certificate of completion. This course is intended for physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals in training and in practice.
This Breast Health course was developed in partnership with the University of Florida through the affiliation of the course creator, Maryam Sattari, MD, MS, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine. Like all NextGenU courses, this course is competency-based and uses adapted Breast Health competencies outlined in Educational Objectives: Core Curriculum in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 10th Edition (designed by affiliates of the Education Committee of the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology (CREOG)). It also uses resources from world-class organizations such as Johns Hopkins Medicine, the National Cancer Institute, and the U.S. Preventive Task Force. The course was developed by Maryam Sattari, MD, MS with advice from Erica Frank, MD, MPH, and several faculty members of the University of Florida.
For a publication on this course’s efficacy, see “Building Public Health Capacity through Online Global Learning,” (2018), Open Praxis to see more research related to NextGenU.org’s education model, check out NextGenU.org's publication page. Subscribe to our newsletter to be notified of future updates, new courses, and to be part of our community.
There are 7 modules to complete, which provide:
- A basic introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the breast, benign disorders of the breast;
- Routine screening approaches to selected diseases of the breast;
- Epidemiology and risk assessment of breast cancer;
- Basic mechanisms of genetic inheritance of breast cancer, and diagnosis of breast cancer.
Approximate time required for the required readings for the course is 12 hours at an average reading rate of 144 words/minute; in addition, there are required activities.
The course requires the completion of all peer activities. At the end of each lesson, there is a practice quiz. At the end of the course, after you’ve completed each lesson, quiz, and activity, you’ll have access to a final exam, and a chance to assess the training. Once you’ve passed that last test, you will be able to download a certificate of completion from NextGenU.org and our course’s co-sponsoring organizations (listed above). We keep all of your personal information confidential, never sell any of your information, and only use anonymized data for research purposes, and we are also happy to report your testing information and share your work with anyone (your school, employer, etc.) at your request. We hope that you will find this a rewarding learning experience, and we count on your assessment and feedback to help us improve this training for future students.
Engaging with this Course:
You may browse this course for free to learn for your personal enrichment; there are no requirements.
To obtain a certificate
- Show in the registration fields that you have the appropriate prerequisites to be certified. This course requires a college-level degree.
- Complete all the reading requirements.
- Complete all quizzes.
- Complete 5 peer activity and associated certification quizzes.
- Successfully complete the final exam with a minimum of 70% and a maximum of 3 attempts.
- Complete the self and course evaluation forms.
To obtain credit
- Complete all requirements listed above for the certificate.
- Your learning institution or workplace should approve the partner-university-sponsored NextGenU.org course for educational credit, as they would for their learner taking a course anywhere.
- NextGenU.org is happy to provide your institution with:
- a link to and description of the course training, so they can see all its components, including the cosponsoring universities and other professional organization cosponsors;
- your grade on the final exam;
- your work products (e.g. peer and mentored activities), and any other required or optional shared materials that you produce and authorize to share with them;
- your evaluations -- self-, peer-, and [for mentored courses] mentor assessments;
- a copy of your certificate of completion, with the co-sponsoring universities and other organizations listed.
To obtain a degree co-sponsored with NextGenU.org, registrants must be enrolled in a degree program as a student of a NextGenU.org institutional partner. If you think that your institution might be interested in offering a degree with NextGenU.org contact us.
We hope that you will find this a rewarding learning experience, and we count on your assessment and feedback to help us improve this training for future students.
Next Steps
- Complete the registration form.
- Begin the course with Module 1: Anatomy of the Breast
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Module 1: Anatomy of the Breast
Competency covered in this module: - Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of breast anatomical structures and their clinical significance.
Approximate time required for the readings for this module (at 144 words/minute): 0 hours and 0 minutes.1 Page, 1 SCORM package -
Module 1: Lesson 1: Gross Anatomy of the Breast
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:- Accurately label all external breast structures on a diagram.
- Describe the relationship between breast tissue layers.
- Explain the lymphatic drainage of the breast
4 URLs -
Module 1: Lesson 2: Histologic Anatomy of the Breast
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:- Correctly identify cellular structures on histologic slides.
- Draw and label a complete breast ductal system.
- Explain the significance of the TDLU in breast pathology.
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Module 2: Physiology of the Breast
Competency covered in this module: - Apply knowledge of breast physiology to understand normal development and function throughout the lifespan.
Approximate time required for the readings for this module (at 144 words/minute): 0 hours and 0 minutes.1 Page, 1 SCORM package - Apply knowledge of breast physiology to understand normal development and function throughout the lifespan.
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Module 2: Lesson 1: Breast Development
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:- Outline the key stages of embryonic breast development.
- Explain hormonal influences on pubertal breast development.
- Describe breast tissue changes from adulthood through senescence.
3 URLs - Outline the key stages of embryonic breast development.
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Module 2: Lesson 2: Reproductive Cycle Changes
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:- Describe and explain how hormonal fluctuations at different life stages influence structural and functional changes in breast tissue.
- Explain the preparation of breast tissue for lactation.
- Develop management plans for common lactation-related conditions.
3 URLs - Describe and explain how hormonal fluctuations at different life stages influence structural and functional changes in breast tissue.
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Module 3: Benign Disorders of the Breast
Competency covered in this module: - Evaluate, diagnose, and manage common benign breast disorders using evidence-based approaches.
Approximate time required for the readings for this module (at 144 words/minute): 0 hours and 0 minutes.1 Page, 1 SCORM package -
Module 3: Lesson 1: Nipple Discharge and Galactorrhea
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:- Differentiate between physiologic and pathologic nipple discharge and galactorrhea.
- List red flag features of nipple discharge that suggest malignancy.
- Describe a structured diagnostic approach to evaluating patients with nipple discharge and galactorrhea.
Click here to start this lesson6 URLs -
Module 3: Lesson 2: Breast Pain and Infections
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:- Create a management plan for cyclic mastalgia.
- Diagnose lactational vs. non-lactational mastitis.
- Implement appropriate antibiotic and supportive therapies for mastitis.
Click here to start this lesson6 URLs -
Module 3: Lesson 3: Breast Masses and Structural Abnormalities
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:- Differentiate fibroadenoma from other benign masses.
- Evaluate and manage breast asymmetry.
- Demonstrate proper technique for clinical breast examination with appropriate documentation.
Click here to start this lesson5 URLs -
Module 4: Routine Screening for Selected Diseases of the Breast
Competency
covered in this module: - Implement and interpret appropriate screening protocols for breast disease detection and management.
Approximate time required for the readings for this module (at 144 words/minute): 0 hours and 0 minutes.1 Page, 1 SCORM package -
Module 4: Lesson 1: Breast Cancer Screening Principles
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:- Compare and contrast mammography, ultrasound, and MRI.
- Apply appropriate screening intervals based on the new recommendations starting at age 40.
- Discuss false positive/negative rates of screening methods.
Click here to start this lesson3 URLs -
Module 4: Lesson 2: Management of Benign Breast Findings
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:- Create a diagnostic plan for a newly discovered breast mass.
- Implement evidence-based treatments for breast pain.
- Identify and manage endocrine causes of galactorrhea.
Click here to start this lesson4 URLs -
Module 5: Epidemiology and Risk Assessment for Breast Cancer
Competency covered in this module: - Apply epidemiological principles to assess breast cancer risk and develop comprehensive risk reduction strategies.
Approximate time required for the readings for this module (at 144 words/minute): 0 hours and 0 minutes.1 Page, 1 SCORM package -
Module 5: Lesson 1: Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Click here to start this lessonStudent Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:- Counsel patients on modifiable risk factors.
- Develop tailored screening plans for patients with increased risk based on race/ethnicity.
- Demonstrate proficiency with risk assessment tools (Gail, Tyrer-Cuzick, etc.)
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Module 5: Lesson 2: Risk Reduction Strategies
Click here to start this lessonStudent Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:- Develop personalized risk reduction plans.
- Identify appropriate candidates for SERMs and aromatase inhibitors.
- Counsel patients on the risk/benefit of prophylactic surgery.
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Module 5: Lesson 3: Screening in High-Risk Populations
Click here to start this lessonStudent Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:- Determine appropriate candidates for breast MRI and supplemental screening.
- Create individualized screening plans for high-risk patients.
- Refer appropriate patients for genetic counseling based on updated criteria.
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Module 6: Basic Mechanisms of Genetic Inheritance
Competency covered in this module: - Integrate genetic principles into breast cancer risk assessment and management.
Approximate time required for the readings for this module (at 144 words/minute): 0 hours and 0 minutes.1 SCORM package -
Module 6: Lesson 1: Principles of Cancer Genetics
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:- Differentiate between dominant and recessive inheritance.
- Explain variable penetrance in BRCA mutations.
- Recognize clinical features of hereditary breast cancer syndromes, including PALB2, ATM, and CHEK2.
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Module 6: Lesson 2: Genetic Testing and Counseling
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:- Select appropriate patients for genetic testing based on updated NCCN criteria.
- Describe different genetic testing methodologies, including VUS interpretation.
- Develop management plans based on genetic findings.
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Module 7: Diagnosis of Invasive Carcinoma of the Breast
Competency covered in this module: - Utilize appropriate diagnostic methods to evaluate, diagnose, and stage breast cancer.
Approximate time required for the readings for this module (at 144 words/minute): 0 hours and 0 minutes.1 SCORM package -
Module 7: Lesson 1: Diagnostic Imaging
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:- Order appropriate diagnostic imaging studies.
- Recognize suspicious findings on mammography, ultrasound, and MRI.
- Apply BIRADS categories to clinical decision-making and follow-up planning.
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Module 7: Lesson 2: Tissue Diagnosis
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:- Select appropriate biopsy technique based on lesion characteristics.
- Interpret comprehensive breast pathology reports.
- Explain the significance of ER, PR, HER2, and Ki-67 status in treatment planning.
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Course and Self Evaluation & Certificate
In this section, you can provide feedback about this course to help us make NextGenU.org better. Once evaluations are completed, you will be able to download your certificate of completion.
