Objectives

The Master’s in Communication, Media, and Cancer will enable medical and allied health professionals (specialists, general practitioners, pharmacists, nurses, and physical therapists) to gain the knowledge needed to communicate more effectively about cancer and provide patient care in the most compassionate manner possible.

For students of journalism and communication, this will be an excellent opportunity—for the first time—to gain access to comprehensive training on cancer and all the key aspects necessary for effective and relevant communication on the subject.

There are many professional objectives. This certificate will provide physicians with an opportunity to earn credit for continuing medical education. In addition, this certificate can enhance the training of oncology residents (DES and FST) in the areas of delivering the news and communication.

Degree Program 2026–2027

This national university certificate program will provide communication training to all professionals (both clinical and non-clinical) involved in the care of cancer patients. The primary objective of this program is to enhance the knowledge of healthcare providers, including medical and paramedical staff, in communicating with cancer patients and, as a result, to acquire knowledge not only regarding the delivery and dissemination of information but also for professionals and students in journalism and information and communication sciences.

TEACHING STAFF

Professor Jean-Philippe SPANO
Sorbonne University – Health
Medical Oncology, Pitié-Salpétrière

Professor Thomas CLUZEAU
Université Côte d’Azur
Clinical Hematology – Nice University Hospital

REGISTRATION (THROUGH 10/31/26)

Université Côte d’Azur
Thomas.CLUZEAU@univ-cotedazur.fr

Sorbonne University Health
jean-philippe.spano@aphp.fr

Claude Bernard University of Lyon 1
formation-diplomante4@univ-lyon1.fr

University of Montpellier
youssef.kamhi@umontpellier.fr

AUDIENCES

A public DIU 2:

• For medical and paramedical staff: learning the techniques, methods, and factors to consider in order to effectively communicate about cancer (with patients and their loved ones) –
• For journalists, the goal is to expand their scientific knowledge and gain a better understanding of the challenges that cancer poses for healthcare providers, from a professional perspective focused on science communication and public education, in an era of mass media and the influence of social media.

EXAM POLICIES

• Written exam (writing a news article or an editorial)
• Oral exam (video presentation / 30 + announcement simulation – media training / 40)
• Practical Application

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR THE TRAINING

Duration: 2025–2026 academic year
In-person and online
Prices:

• Student in Initial Training: €350
• Continuing Education Student: 1,357 €

Educational Committee

Sorbonne University – Health – Coordinators: Prof. Jean-Philippe SPANO (medical oncologist) and Prof. Joseph GLIGOROV (medical oncologist)

Clermont Auvergne University – Coordinator: Prof. Frédérique PENAULT-LLORCA (pathologist)

Claude Bernard Lyon 1 University – Coordinators: Prof. Jean-Yves BLAY (medical oncologist) and Prof. Isabelle RAY-COQUARD (medical oncologist)

University of Montpellier – Coordinators: Dr. Stanislas QUESADA (medical oncologist), Prof. Pascal PUJOL (oncogeneticist), and Prof. Marc YCHOU (medical oncologist)

Université Côte d’Azur – Coordinators: Prof. Thomas CLUZEAU (oncologist and hematologist) & Prof. Nicolas PELISSIER (media sociologist)

Download the complete training program