Sixteen Questions to Ask about Cancer

The course will primarily be conducted through lectures and video presentations. In the first half of the semester, students will be introduced to the causes of cancer as well as common diagnostic and treatment methods. After the theoretical introduction in the first two sessions, each student will be asked to submit questions they would like to explore. Students will then vote to select 18 questions to be addressed during Weeks 9–16.

These questions will be distributed among student groups, with each group answering two questions per week. After each group’s presentation, the instructor will provide additional relevant information. This interactive approach is designed to identify the topics students are most interested in and encourages classroom discussion, fostering a mutually beneficial learning environment.

Syllabus / Weekly Schedule

Week 1: How do cancer cells enter the body?

Week 2: How does cancer metastasize?

Week 3: Can health check-ups really prevent cancer?

Week 4: What is chemotherapy? What is radiotherapy?

Week 5: What is immunotherapy? What is targeted therapy?

Week 6: What is precision medicine?

Week 7: Is it possible to treat cancer by changing diet or gut microbiota?

Week 8: Midterm exam

Weeks 9–16: During Week 3, each student will submit one question. Class votes will determine which questions will be addressed. Students will be divided into groups to answer four questions per week, with open discussion encouraged after each presentation.