While cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, oncology nursing is constantly evolving and expanding to meet emerging needs, including cancer prevention.
Why: It is estimated that 4 out of 10 cancers are preventable.1 Tobacco and alcohol use, obesity, ultraviolet radiation, HPV, and lack of physical activity can cause cancer. Cancer survivors are more likely to experience chronic quality of life issues and an increased incidence of chronic disease.2
Who: Oncology nurses interact daily with cancer patients. Many of these people survive and join the rapidly growing group of people with a lack of precedent, in need of prevention and evidence-based research aimed at preventing on recycling and secondary malignancies. Nurses also meet the families of patients who are not identified with malignancy, but who are aware of risk factors and are willing to change their behavior. This group will have experienced the fear and threat to your health wildly.
When: Discussion time and ongoing teaching need to be conducive to learning. At the time of diagnosis, the individual and family are overwhelmed by prognosis, underlying fear of mortality, and details of a head spin treatment plan. Active treatment is defined as the time when patients are more fit.3 Follow-up visits after treatment also provide a unique opportunity for recurrence of cancer prevention.
Where: Patients may not turn to oncology nurses for prevention guidance. Nurses need to be aware of this and raise the issue. Medical oncology clinics, infusion centers, survival clinics, genetic counseling centers, and community cancer clinics are all good options for prevention, screening, and teaching.
How come: A community outreach center with an active social media presence can be important in promoting a healthy lifestyle. An interdisciplinary approach involving primary care providers and facilities for tobacco cessation, diabetes education, and obesity prevention is critical. Dietary concerns can skyrocket during treatment. To alleviate their concerns, a diet recommended by ADA may be initiated during active treatment and maintained even after its completion. Where available, referrals to fitness and wellbeing centers are appropriate.
There is no universal solution to prevent cancer. Outcomes depend on a number of factors, but the goal is to raise awareness and propose lifestyle changes that are reliable, evidence-based, and sustainable. Follow-up and reinforcement will be essential
we remain challenged as we develop new strategies specific to individuals from all walks of life.
References:
1. Cowens-Alvarado R, Sharpe K, Pratt-Chapman M, et al. Advancing survival care through the National Survivorship Resource Center: developing American Cancer Society guidelines for primary care providers. CA Cancer J Clin. 2013; 63 (3): 147-150. doi: 10.3322 / caac.2118
2. Demark-Wahnefried W, Aziz NM, Rowland JH, Pinto BM. Riding the teachable hour brand: promoting long-term health after a cancer is diagnosed. J Clin Oncol. 2005; 23 (24): 5814-5830. doi: 10.1200 / JCO.2005.01.230
3. Karvinen K, Bruner B, Truant T. The teachable time after cancer diagnosis: observations from oncology nurses. Oncol Nurse Forum. 2015; 42 (6): 602-609 doi: 10.1188 / 15.ONF.602-609