THE world's first Internet-based degree in cancer care is being launched in the region today.

It should provide doctors and nurses with better knowledge and expertise through their computers.

Patients in this region should be among the first to benefit.

Medical and distance learning experts have spent two years designing the courses, which have been adapted for delivery through the worldwide web.

Features include interactive assignments and links with course tutors and fellow students through email and online chat rooms.

The MSc in Clinical Oncology and Palliative Care is offered by Newcastle University, in association with the Northern Centre for Cancer Treatment and Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Professor Mike Richards, national cancer director, is due to be guest speaker at the launch of the course, at Newcastle Medical School.

The degree has been designed to provide a flexible approach to learning for health workers who find it hard to fit extra study around irregular shift patterns.

Health professionals can log on when it suits them.

It is hoped it will also prove an effective way of delivering distance learning courses to overseas students.

Nine students, including Macmillan nurses and a GP, are taking part in a test run of the course.

The degree will start in September and the first intake of 50 students will be recruited within the UK.

It is expected that overseas applicants will eventually be invited to join the course.

Potential students should already be working in oncology or palliative care, and have a health-related first degree or equivalent practical experience.

Alison Crawley, a staff nurse at St Oswald's Hospice in Newcastle, who is two months into the pilot course, said: "When I did my degree in nursing science I had to spend two days a week in college, which I found to be very restricting.

"But distance learning lets me study at my own pace and fits in better around my life."

Dr Graham Dark, degree programme director, said: "In the long-term, students can use the course to develop their careers in oncology and palliative care and, of course, the patients will greatly benefit from their increased knowledge and expertise."

Applications can be submitted to ncl.ac.uk/cancereducationonline