Financial burden affects many cancer survivors, making them more prone to experience depression or anxiety, according to Raymond Chan, PhD, RN, BN, MAppSc, professor of cancer nursing at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia.

Since oncology nurses are often at the forefront of patient care, they are in a prime position to discuss financial toxicity with their patients and intervene, if needed. 

The impact is huge. What we actually observe is that some patients can actually go to the extent of foregoing treatment. In this particular work that I am presenting this year at ONS Congress, is on the relationship around financial toxicity and symptom burden, and in particular, what we found is that there are at least 2 big studies, one in the 600s and the other one over 1,000, of cancer survivors. They reported that people who have experienced financial distress are 3 times more likely than people who have not, to experience depression and anxiety. So that in itself is a huge implication for oncology nurses and we are well placed to intervene. 

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Financial toxicity can have an impact on patients' anxiety and depression, but oncology nurses can help.

Financial Toxicity Impacts Symptom Burden

A new kind of dressing may be able to help prevent and reduce the symptoms of radiation dermatitis in patients being treated for head and neck cancer, according to Raymond Chan, PhD, RN, BN, MAppSc, professor of cancer nursing at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia.

Chan and his team tested a non-steroidal, silicone-based clear gel that is applied to the radiation site. The product forms a dressing that prevents transdermal water loss and reduces inflammation. And while there was no statistically significant patient-reported outcomes regarding pain and itch, the product may be able to mitigate the severity of radiation dermatitis, thereby improving patients' quality of life.

Radiation dermatitis is a common adverse event for patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiation therapy, but a new kind of dressing may help.

Raymond Chan, PhD, RN, BN, MAppSc

Articles

Financial Toxicity Impacts Symptom Burden

Preventing Radiation Dermatitis