Search Results (180)

Sexual dysfunction affects an estimated 50–70% of cancer survivors but remains underrecognized and undertreated, impacting quality of life and emotional well-being. This narrative review involves a comprehensive search of PubMed/MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect for English-language publications (January 2010–May 2025), using combined MeSH and free-text terms for ‘sexual health’, ‘cancer’, ‘nursing’, ‘roles of nurses’, ‘immunotherapy’, ‘targeted therapy’, ‘sexual health’, ‘sexual dysfunction’, ‘vaginal dryness’, ‘genitourinary syndrome of menopause’, ‘sexual desire’, ‘body image’, ‘erectile dysfunction’, ‘climacturia’, ‘ejaculatory disorders’, ‘dyspareunia’, and ‘oncology’. We used the IMRAD (Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion) approach to identify 1245 records and screen titles and abstracts. Fifty studies ultimately met the inclusion criteria (original research, reviews, and clinical guidelines on oncology nursing and sexual health). Results: All the treatments contributed to reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, dyspareunia, and body image concerns, with a prevalence of 57.5% across genders. Oncology nurses can provide sex education and counseling. Barriers (limited training, cultural stigma, and the absence of protocols) hinder effective intervention. Addressing these issues through sexual health curricula, formal referral systems, and policy reforms can enhance nursing care. Future research should assess the impact of targeted nurse education and the institutional integration of sexual health into cancer care. Full article

According to the WHO, health problems in Somalia are reported to be at an alarming level today and in the future. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between healthy lifestyle behaviours and the levels of health literacy of university students receiving health sciences education in Mogadishu, Somalia. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in April 2024 in a university delivering education in Turkish in Mogadishu. The study sample comprised 219 health sciences students. The data collection tools used were a demographic data form, the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviours Scale II (HLBS-II) and the Turkish version of the European Health Literacy Scale (HLS-EU-TR). Results: A total of 219 students participated, with 86.3% identifying as female and 13.7% as male, and the average age was 20.91 ± 2.2 years. The mean of the total scores obtained for the HLBS II was found to be 127.54 ± 23.46 and the mean of the total scores obtained for HLS-EU-TR was 30.33 ± 8.17, while scores across all dimensions of the HLS-EU-TR indicated a problematic−borderline level. Analysis showed that with each advancing year of study, there was a statistically significant increase in health responsibility, physical activity, nutrition and total HLBS scores (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between healthy lifestyle behaviours and HLS-EU-TR total scores, with correlation coefficients as follows: r = 0.230, p = 0.001; r = 0.215, p = 0.001; r = 0.193, p = 0.004; r = 0.308, p < 0.001; r = 0.247, p < 0.001; r = 0.284, p < 0.001; r = 0.313, p < 0.001. Furthermore, 13.1% of the change in healthy lifestyle behaviours was explained by the HLS-EU-TR Treatment and Services subdimension and grade level (R² = 0.131). The HLS-EU-TR Treatment and Services subdimension and grade level positively contributed to the level of healthy lifestyle behaviours (ß = 0.373; ß = 0.164). Conclusion: It can be concluded that the identification of a positive correlation between health literacy and healthy lifestyle behaviours indicates that health literacy significantly influences healthy lifestyle choices. This correlation suggests that as students progress through their educational journey, their knowledge and behaviours toward health improve, highlighting that increased educational attainment equips individuals with the skills necessary to engage more effectively in the healthcare system and to translate acquired knowledge into behaviour. These findings underscore the critical role of ongoing health education initiated from an early age. Full article

The adjuvant treatment landscape for hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2–) early breast cancer (EBC) is rapidly evolving, with a diverse range of therapeutic options—including endocrine therapies, bisphosphonates, ovarian function suppression, olaparib, CDK4/6 inhibitors, and emerging agents such as immunotherapy. While these advances have markedly improved patient outcomes, they also introduce challenges related to implementation, monitoring, and resource allocation. Notably, therapies like CDK4/6 inhibitors require particularly close monitoring, creating logistical and capacity challenges for medical oncologists, whose workloads are already stretched due to rising cancer incidence and treatment complexities. These challenges underscore the need for innovative care delivery solutions to ensure patients with EBC continue to receive optimal care. This paper offers a comprehensive guide—a playbook—of multidisciplinary-team-based care models designed to optimize adjuvant treatment delivery in EBC. Drawing on real-world evidence and successful applications across Canadian centers, we explore models led by nurses, nurse practitioners (NPs), general practitioners in oncology (GPO), and pharmacists. Each model leverages the unique expertise of its team to manage treatment toxicities, facilitate adherence, and enhance patient education, thereby promoting effective and sustainable care delivery. Importantly, these models are not intended to compete with one another, but rather to serve as a flexible recipe book from which breast cancer care teams can draw strategies tailored to their local resources and patient needs. By detailing implementation strategies, benefits, and challenges—in many instances supported by quantitative metrics and economic evaluations—this work aims to inspire care teams nationwide to optimize the adjuvant management of patients with HR+, HER2– EBC. Full article

The prevalence of cancer is rising both in Canada and across the world, with approximately 35 million new cases predicted by 2050. Cancer immunotherapy is a form of treatment that harnesses the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells, increasing life expectancy beyond what traditional treatments offer. Immunotherapy may cause immune-related adverse events that differ from the toxicities of traditional treatments. While these events can be detrimental to health, it is critical that they are caught early. This perspective paper examines the evolving role of oncology nurses within the cancer care continuum in caring for patients receiving cancer immunotherapy, specifically immune checkpoint inhibitors. Oncology nurses provide care in many areas, specifically in educating patients on the early detection of side effects to prevent negative outcomes, assessing and monitoring patient symptoms through a variety of means, including nurse-led clinics, and providing support to patients undergoing therapy. This work helps identify gaps in the literature. Future research is required for advancing cancer immunotherapies and better detecting early signs of side effects for nurses practicing in different settings, ensuring timely care. Full article

Background: Gynaecological oncology (GO) surgery involves a wide range of procedures, from minor diagnostic interventions to highly complex cytoreductive operations. Accurate perioperative diagnostics—particularly in major surgery—are critical to optimise patient care, predict morbidity, and facilitate shared decision-making. This study aimed to evaluate current practices in perioperative risk assessment amongst UK GO specialists, focusing on the use, perception, and applicability of diagnostic risk prediction tools. Methods: A national multicentre survey was distributed via the British Gynaecological Cancer Society (BGCS) to consultants, trainees, and nurse specialists. The questionnaire examined clinician familiarity with and use of existing tools such as POSSUM, P-POSSUM, and ACS NSQIP, as well as perceived reliability and areas for improvement. Results: Fifty-four clinicians responded, two-thirds of whom were consultant gynaecological oncologists. While 51.9% used morbidity prediction tools selectively, only 7.4% used them routinely for all major surgeries. The most common models were P-POSSUM (39.6%) and ACS NSQIP (25%), though over 20% did not use any formal tool. Despite this, 80% of respondents expressed a desire for more accurate, GO-specific models. Conclusions: This study reveals a gap between available perioperative diagnostics and real-world clinical use in GO surgical planning. There is an urgent need for validated, user-friendly, and GO-specific risk prediction tools—particularly for high-risk, complex surgical cases. Further research should focus on prospective validation of tools such as ACS NSQIP and their integration into routine practice to improve outcomes in gynaecological oncology. Full article

Immune checkpoint inhibitor diabetes mellitus (ICI-DM) is an emerging phenomenon in the adult oncology population, with an increased incidence reflecting the increased use of immunotherapy; however, risk factors for ICI-DM have not been fully identified. The aim of this integrated literature review was to synthesize the published literature on ICI-DM and the factors associated with an increased risk for its development. The review was guided by Sanieszko’s Epidemiology Triad theoretical framework. We conducted a literature search using the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Web of Science, and PubMed databases. The analysis included 2030 studies that met the search criteria, 23 of which were peer-reviewed articles that met the inclusion criteria. The results demonstrated a positive relationship between older age, medical history of diabetes, the presence of susceptible alleles, and exposure to immunotherapy, with an increased risk for ICI-DM. Future studies should include larger samples, more diverse populations, and a broad range of institutions to confirm the risk factors associated with ICI-DM. Full article

Background/Objectives: Many Canadians experience challenges navigating the healthcare system during their cancer care. Nurse navigators are uniquely positioned to support patients with their clinical expertise in oncology and patient care, but they have not been widely implemented. This study aimed to examine the impact of nurse navigators and barriers to successful implementation of a nurse navigator program. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were searched for articles examining the role of nurse navigators in cancer care. The data was extracted on study design, patient characteristics, nurse navigators’ responsibilities, outcomes, barriers to success, and recommendations for implementing nurse navigator programs. Content analysis was used to identify common themes. Results: Of 1787 articles identified, 44 articles met the inclusion criteria and underwent data extraction. Nurse navigator responsibilities included patient education, psychosocial support, clinical assessment, care coordination, patient advocacy, and improving workflows. Most studies reported significant benefits from nurse navigator programs, including patient-centered care, satisfaction with the healthcare system, reduced patient distress, healthcare provider support, and enhanced patient monitoring. Barriers included a lack of understanding of the role, overwhelmed nurse navigators, and inefficient healthcare system workflows. Recommendations for future nurse navigator programs include providing personalized support to patients, encouraging integrated healthcare teams, and permanent funding. Conclusions: Nurse navigator programs improve cancer patients’ experiences and the efficiency of cancer care delivery. Implementation necessitates integration into the healthcare team and longitudinal financial and professional support of nurse navigators. Full article

Background: Spiritual care is vital for the holistic well-being of hospitalized cancer patients, addressing their emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs. This study addresses gaps in the relevant literature by evaluating spiritual perspectives among Peruvian oncology patients, offering culturally grounded insights that can inform nursing practice and healthcare management. The main objective of this research was to measure the overall level of Spiritual Perspective among hospitalized oncology patients using the Spiritual Perspective Scale (SPS) developed by Pamela Reed in 1987, which reflects early aspects of spirituality later integrated into her broader Spiritual Perspective theory. Materials and methods: This study aimed to evaluate the perceived levels of Spiritual Perspective among oncology patients in a hospital setting. Adopting a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional design, data were gathered from 137 patients at a national hospital in Lima, Peru. Results: The majority of participants were older adults, with a high school education, and predominantly single. Findings revealed that most patients experienced moderate levels of Spiritual Perspective, spiritual practices, and beliefs. Patients commonly practiced prayer, meditation, and spiritual reading. Beliefs centered on a higher power and forgiveness. Essential support networks also provided emotional aid, complementing spiritual care. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of spiritual care in nursing for oncology patients. Findings advance understanding of spirituality in illness and support interventions to improve patient outcomes. Full article

The expected cutaneous adverse effects (CAE) of oncology therapies can be disabling and even force the patient to discontinue treatment. The incorporation of cosmetics into skin care regimens (SCRs) as true therapeutic adjuvants can prevent, control, and avoid sequelae. However, cosmetics may also lead to adverse reactions in patients. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of the tolerability of cosmetics used in routine skin care on quality of life in this vulnerable population group through a survey. In addition, information was collected to improve the knowledge of the beneficial effects of cosmetics and the composition recommended. Hospital nurses guided the patients to fill in the surveys, which were done once. The main uses are related to daily hygiene care, photoprotection, and dermo-cosmetic treatment to prevent or at least reduce the skin’s adverse effects. More than 30% (36.36%) of patients perceived undesirable effects or discomfort with the use of cosmetics (27.27% in the facial area, 27.27% in the body and hands, and 22.73% in the scalp and hair). Intolerance was described for some soaps and creams used in the facial area. This study provides additional evidence on perceived tolerance supporting updates of clinical practice guidelines, highlights consolidated knowledge and evidence on the use of cosmetics, as well as new recommendations on the use and composition of cosmetics intended for oncological patients. There is a need for more knowledge about cosmetic ingredients and formulations, including ingredients of concern, such as endocrine disruptors. Full article

Sexual health in cancer care is often overlooked. This study examines oncology nurses’ knowledge and practices regarding sexuality care, identifying barriers and facilitators. A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-guided search of Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and EBSCO focused on studies from 2014 to 2024. Of 1735 identified studies, only 11 met inclusion criteria. Findings revealed a lack of knowledge among nurses and dissatisfaction with sexual healthcare. Barriers include time constraints, cultural factors, and personal reservations. Routine discussions are often absent due to inadequate training. Education- and system-based strategies are needed to enhance nurses’ competence in addressing sexual concerns. Implementing training programs, structured records, evaluation tools, concept maps, and system support would improve patient care and oncology nursing practices. Addressing these gaps with practical measures can enhance communication, patient satisfaction, and quality of life. This unique analysis was conducted by two experienced advanced nurses in the Middle East, where discussions about sex are often regarded as taboo. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hospital discharge of pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients is complex and requires multidisciplinary efforts to ensure patients/caregivers are prepared for transition to the outpatient setting. This period is tenuous as patients are medically complex, immunocompromised, and required to take several medications requiring dose titration. Miscommunication or decreased preparedness for discharge can place patients at risk for life-threatening complications. An integrative review was performed to evaluate the current literature on discharge coordination best practices for pediatric HSCT, revealing a scarcity of data. Taking into account this minimal literature and the lack of an established process at our center, this article details the development and implementation of a multidisciplinary care coordination program for pediatric HSCT patients following hospital discharge, aiming to establish a standardized approach and thus improve caregiver readiness for discharge. Methods: A group of physicians, advanced practice nurses, registered nurses, and pharmacists developed a comprehensive approach to pediatric HSCT discharge coordination. Interventions included standardized education, checklist integrated into the electronic medical record, 24 h rooming-in period, and personalized pharmacist follow-up. Surveys were provided to caregivers to assess discharge readiness and ongoing medication adherence. Results: This quality improvement project demonstrated feasibility via successful implementation for 12 patients. Compared to a nine-patient pre-implementation group, there was no statistically significant difference in perceived readiness. Medication adherence was unable to be evaluated. Clinical significance was anecdotally appreciated by the medical care team, with improved organization, collaboration, and communication. Conclusions: A new pediatric HSCT discharge coordination program was created and successfully implemented. More literature on best practices is needed. Full article

The Symptom Navi Program (SNP) is a self-management support (SMS) intervention for people with cancer. It consists of self-management supportive leaflets, educational conversations, and two standardized training sessions. A descriptive quality evaluation method was used to evaluate SNP implementation across 14 cancer services from 2021 to 2024. We evaluated training content, methods, and participants’ confidence to use SMS in their clinical routine. Nurses, social workers, and psychologists completed ad hoc closed and open-ended questions after each training. The Work Sense of Coherence (Work-SoC) scale was used to elicit participants’ self-reported perceptions of their work context at cancer services. A series of descriptive analyses were conducted on the Work-SoC scale, the training content, and the methods. In addition, training-specific questions and predefined hypotheses were correlated. Thematic analysis was employed to examine open-ended questions. The SNP training content and methods largely met participants’ needs. Participants’ confidence in applying educational conversations decreased over time. The findings suggest a robust correlation between the application of educational conversations in daily routines and the participants’ perceptions regarding the comprehensibility and manageability of their work situations. Future research focusing on the implementation of SMS in clinical practice should examine the work context. Full article

Cancer patient navigation has emerged as a patient-centric intervention enabling equitable cancer care, by mitigating barriers patients encounter throughout their cancer journey. Cancer Care Alberta (CCA) implemented a professional navigation model over a decade ago and commissioned a program evaluation in response to evolving operational demands. The objectives were (1) to better understand the current state of CCA’s cancer patient navigation program; (2) to explore the need for other specialized streams; and (3) to provide key recommendations to strengthen and grow the program. A mixed methods approach, including a survey, administrative data, and semi-structured interviews, captured patient-, staff-, and system-level insights. Findings revealed difficulties in identifying complex patients needing navigation, along with inconsistencies regarding intake practices, program awareness, referral pathways, standardized workflows, and a lack of programmatic supports, which contributed to variability in service delivery. A need for enhanced palliative navigation support also emerged. Approximately 25% of surveyed patients reported being unable to access perceived needed support before their first oncology consultation. These findings underscore the importance of early, targeted navigation for equity-deserving populations. Recommendations include harmonizing program structure, refining navigator roles, expanding navigation streams, standardizing processes, and enhancing equity-focused competencies. These findings offer a roadmap with which to improve person-centered cancer care. Full article

Background: Indigenous peoples nationally have seen a drastic increase in cancer diagnoses, often at later stages and with poorer survival rates than non-Indigenous Canadians. Colonization, assimilation policies, and racism within our healthcare system are contributors to these inequities. Methods: As a team, we have worked for over a decade to improve the cancer care journey of Indigenous patients in Labrador. We share learnings from a qualitative community-based project with Beneficiaries of the Labrador Inuit land claim agreement through sharing suggested improvements from participants to improve the cancer care journey. Objective: Acknowledging the diversity of Indigenous groups, we discuss suggestions as a guide and expand the discussion to provide interconnected suggestions for oncology nurses on enhancing care for their Indigenous patients. Conclusions: Oncology nurses play a crucial role in enhancing the cancer care journey for Indigenous peoples, necessitating a commitment to culturally safe environments, ongoing professional development, and advocacy for systemic changes. Full article

Objective: To synthesize and analyze the prevalence, composition, longitudinal stability, and predictors of cancer symptom clusters in children and adolescents undergoing chemotherapy. Method: A systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Evidence was sourced from MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, PsycINFO, and Web of Science, as well as clinical trial registries (Clinical Trials WHO-ICTRP) and gray literature. The search was performed in February 2025, with no restrictions on publication date or language. Two independent reviewers screened and selected the studies. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using design-specific tools, and the findings were synthesized narratively. Results: A total of 6221 records were identified, with 12 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. These studies were published between 2010 and 2024 in the United States, Brazil, China, and Turkey. Cancer symptom clusters in children and adolescents followed well-defined patterns, with the gastrointestinal, emotional, fatigue-related, somatic, and self-image clusters being the most prevalent. Conclusions: Early identification of these cancer symptom clusters is essential for guiding interprofessional teams in delivering personalized, evidence-based care to children and adolescents with cancer and their families. Full article