ABS CGSO study plan
ABS CGSO · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Diagnosis of cancer, including complex presentations and rare or unusual cancers
Map the diagnostic pathway for the ten most common solid tumors from presentation to tissue diagnosis
Differentiate staging systems (TNM, Ann Arbor, FIGO, Rai) by cancer type and state which applies to each
Explain the role and limitations of imaging modalities (CT, MRI, PET, ultrasound) in initial workup
Identify red-flag presentations that should trigger urgent referral
Your checkpoint
A one-page diagnostic algorithm per cancer type for five common cancers, with staging system labeled
Diagnosis of cancer, including complex presentations and rare or unusual cancers
Describe workup of complex presentations: unknown primary, paraneoplastic syndromes, and spinal cord compression
Outline diagnostic approach to rare cancers (sarcoma, neuroendocrine, GIST, CNS tumors)
Distinguish benign from malignant findings on pathology reports and interpret immunohistochemistry panels
Explain tumor markers: when they aid diagnosis versus monitoring
Your checkpoint
A comparison table of five rare/complex presentations with first-line diagnostic steps and pitfalls
Diagnosis of cancer, including complex presentations and rare or unusual cancers & Multidisciplinary treatment of the cancer patient
Consolidate Domain 1 by teaching back the diagnostic framework for a complex case
Map the multidisciplinary team roles (surgical, medical, radiation oncology, pathology, radiology, palliative care)
Describe how tumor board decisions are structured and documented
Identify which cancers are managed primarily by surgery versus systemic therapy versus radiation
Your checkpoint
A written tumor board summary for a hypothetical complex case listing each discipline's recommendation
Multidisciplinary treatment of the cancer patient
Compare systemic therapy classes (cytotoxic, targeted, immunotherapy, endocrine) by mechanism and toxicity profile
Explain principles of radiation therapy: intent, fractionation, and common acute/late effects
Outline surgical oncology principles including margins, lymph node sampling, and neoadjuvant rationale
Describe supportive care integration across the treatment trajectory
Your checkpoint
A treatment-modality matrix matching cancer type to standard first-line approach with rationale
Multidisciplinary treatment of the cancer patient & Rehabilitation required by patients with cancer
Apply treatment sequencing to a relapsed or metastatic scenario
Identify treatment-related toxicities requiring rehabilitation referral (neuropathy, lymphedema, deconditioning)
Explain survivorship care planning and transition from active treatment
Describe fertility preservation and its timing relative to treatment start
Your checkpoint
A survivorship care plan template covering surveillance, late effects, and rehab referrals
Rehabilitation required by patients with cancer
Assess functional status using validated tools (ECOG, Karnofsky, ADL/IADL) and interpret scores for rehab planning
Design rehabilitation programs for lymphedema, cancer-related fatigue, and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
Describe cognitive rehabilitation and psychosocial support for patients and caregivers
Explain return-to-work and community reintegration planning
Your checkpoint
Three goal-oriented rehab plans (lymphedema, fatigue, neuropathy) with measurable functional targets
Rehabilitation required by patients with cancer & Cancer prevention, outreach, and research
Integrate rehab planning into a multidisciplinary case from earlier weeks
Explain primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention with cancer-specific examples
Describe screening guidelines and their evidence basis for major cancers
Identify modifiable risk factors and behavioral counseling approaches
Your checkpoint
A prevention and screening summary table by cancer type with guideline source and interval
Cancer prevention, outreach, and research & Diagnosis of cancer, including complex presentations and rare or unusual cancers & Multidisciplinary treatment of the cancer patient & Rehabilitation required by patients with cancer
Explain clinical trial phases, informed consent, and research ethics
Describe outreach strategies addressing access, disparities, and health literacy
Synthesize all four domains in timed practice cases
Identify and remediate personal weak areas from practice performance
Your checkpoint
A timed 60-question mixed-domain practice set with a written error log and remediation list
Milestones
Week 2: Complete a 20-question diagnostic-domain self-quiz and score at least 70%
Week 4: Present a full multidisciplinary treatment plan for one complex case, covering all four disciplines
Week 6: Demonstrate functional assessment scoring on three practice vignettes with correct tool selection
Week 8: Achieve at least 75% on the timed mixed-domain practice set with all missed items logged and reviewed