September 2015

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 39 are a unique group of patients with distinct cancer epidemiology and developmental characteristics.

While oncology nurses have undoubtedly led quality cancer care and patient education initiatives, the current and projected growth of cancer survivors in the United States demands increased attention to developing oncology nurses in the educator role.

More people are living at least 5 years after their original pediatric cancer diagnosis than ever before. According to the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS), 400,000 childhood cancer survivors are alive today, and that number is expected to grow to half a million by 2020.

A cancer diagnosis once understandably brought a singular focus on fighting the disease, with less attention paid to quality of life once the patient's active treatment was over.

For the over 1.5 million individuals expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2015, pain can be a significant problem.

I am used to it now, the chuckles and candid references to compasses and aviation from some and the grateful looks from others, as though I have just extended them a lifeline.

We continue to marvel at the tremendous strides made in cancer care, a record of progress that means millions of people are now surviving cancer, and many for a very long time.

As the new USP Chapter 800 regulations for the handling of hazardous drugs are being finalized, stakeholders-including oncology nurses-are preparing for a renewed emphasis on the safe preparation and administration of chemotherapy in their daily practice.

VIPs include very important pets, as well as very important people.