Understanding Cancer Support: Level 2 Certificate
For learners looking to increase their knowledge and understanding of supporting adults living with cancer.
Course summary
- Qualification
- NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Cancer Support
- Level
- Level 2
- Awarding body
- NCFE (CACHE)
- Qualification number (QAN)
- 603/5860/9
- Guided learning
- 135 hours
- Total time
- 165 hours, including study and assessment
- Cost
- Free if you are eligible
Who it's for and what you'll learn
This Understanding Cancer Support NCFE CACHE Level 2 qualification is designed to give learners the knowledge to support their work within the adult health and social care sectors, particularly those wanting to specialise in the area or develop employment/progression opportunities. It may also be useful for those providing informal care to those living with cancer.
This qualification aims to:
- focus on the study of cancer support in the health and social care sector
- offer breadth and depth of study, incorporating a key core of knowledge
The objective of this qualification is to give learners knowledge of:
- what cancer is, its diagnosis and treatment
- the support needs of people living with cancer
What the course covers
To be awarded the Understanding Cancer Support level 2 qualification, learners are required to successfully achieve 4 mandatory units:
Unit 1 - Cancer awareness
In this unit, the learner will gain knowledge of the different categories and types of cancer and its prevalence in the UK. The learner will also understand how the approach to cancer care has changed over time.
The learner will:
- Know what cancer is
- Know how many people are living with cancer
- Understand how the approach to cancer care has changed over time
Unit 2 - Introduction to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer
In this unit, the learner will gain knowledge of the detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The learner will also understand the impact of being diagnosed with cancer has on an individual, family and friends.
The learner will:
- Know about cancer detection
- Know what cancer staging is and why it is used
- Understand the impact of recognition and diagnosis of cancer
- Know about cancer treatments and their side effects
- Understand how to support an individual’s right to make choices
Unit 3 - Introduction to cancer care and support
The aim of this unit is to consider the role of the practitioner in relation to common accidents and basic first aid as well as serious illness requiring emergency support. Acute and chronic health conditions including how to manage allergies in the setting will also be covered.
The learner will:
- Understand the role of family members in cancer care and support
- Understand the roles of others in the support of individuals with cancer
- Understand the impact of living with cancer on everyday life
- Understand how to support emotional and mental wellbeing
- Understand the principles of self-management
Unit 4 - Introduction to end-of-life and bereavement care
In this unit, the learner will gain knowledge of end-of-life and bereavement care and what factors can affect an individual’s views on death and dying. The learner will also understand the process of loss and the stages of grief.
The learner will:
- Know different perspectives on death and dying
- Know about end-of-life care
- Know the process of loss and grief
How these courses usually work
Every provider does things a little differently, so check the details with them before you apply.
Where and how you study
Most of these courses are studied online, from home. You'll usually need internet access and a laptop or desktop computer. A phone or tablet may not be enough. Some providers can send paper workbooks if you ask.
How long it takes
- This qualification is designed to take about 165 hours in total, including study and assessment.
- Many learners finish in around 6 weeks by studying 4 to 5 hours a week. You can go faster if you have more time.
- Providers usually set a deadline, often 10 to 12 weeks after you start.
Support
Providers usually give you a tutor who marks your work and answers your questions by email, phone or message.
Assessment
There are usually no exams. Instead, you answer assessment questions as you work through the course and send them to your tutor to mark. If an answer needs more work, you can usually change it and send it again.
Your certificate
When you pass, your certificate comes from the awarding body, NCFE. It often takes 8 to 12 weeks to arrive after your final assessment.
Things to check before you start
- Many providers only let you study one funded course at a time.
- If you leave the course early, or don't finish by the deadline, some providers charge an admin or withdrawal fee, often around £125. Ask about this before you sign up.
Can I do this course for free?
ASF local flexibility: 19+, England resident, unemployed or earning under £26,800 (devolved areas vary; many restrict online L2).
Check if you're eligible for this course using the "Am I eligible?" form below. It also shows which providers offer it. The provider makes the final decision.
You can also read who can get a free course.
Where can I study this?
We've found 5 providers offering this course for free to eligible learners.
Answer a few quick questions to check whether you’re likely to get this course for free. We’ll then show you which providers offer it.
What could I do next?
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Sources
- NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Cancer Support - List of Qualifications approved for fundingqualifications.education.gov.uk
- NCFE qualification factsheet (603/5860/9)ncfe.org.uk (PDF)
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