June 2020

For patients facing a devastating illness like cancer, there is a need for support from all modalities – professional, family, and friends. A survivor mentor brings value to the mix.

Given the health care system’s current inability to properly address the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it is fair to wonder how much other important healthcare will be neglected during the outbreak. We might also wonder what additional negative impact this will have on Americans’ health status.

I believe there is no better time than now for designating 2020 the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife. Nurses have been tireless in adapting the ways in which they provide cancer care, while ensuring patients continue to receive the best possible treatment.

Given the recent use of genes to determine prognosis and treatment decisions in the field of hematology, it is important for providers to collaborate with geneticists.

Due to a lack of time or feeling uncomfortable, many clinicians don’t discuss the sexual issues that cancer survivors face. But leaning on evidenced-based practices may help bridge the conversation.

Oncology nurses play a crucial role in educating the public about cancer risk and prevention.

Getting an accurate family history can be one of the most challenging things that nurses face, according to Suzanne Mahon, DNSc, a clinical nurse specialist at SLUCare physician group, St Louis, Missouri.

As genetics in cancer care grows, so will the role of the oncology nurse.