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    Stay Positive During COVID-19 by Remembering Our Purpose
    COVID-19
    Stay Positive During COVID-19 by Remembering Our Purpose
    April 10, 2020
    Once a Nurse, Always a Nurse
    COVID-19
    Once a Nurse, Always a Nurse
    April 01, 2020
    Nurses Always Find a Way to Communicate Care to Patients Who Don’t Speak Our Language
    Oncology nurse-patient relationship
    Nurses Always Find a Way to Communicate Care to Patients Who Don’t Speak Our Language
    March 27, 2020
    Patient Communication Strategies for COVID-19 Conversations
    COVID-19
    Patient Communication Strategies for COVID-19 Conversations
    March 26, 2020
    Use This Guide to Navigate Difficult Conversations
    Difficult decisions
    Use This Guide to Navigate Difficult Conversations
    March 20, 2020
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    What Happens During a Genetics Counseling Session?
    Genetics & genomics

    What Happens During a Genetics Counseling Session?

    When referring patients for genetics counseling and possible testing for hereditary risk, oncology nurses can help relieve their trepidation and anxiety by explaining what to expect during the visit. See the sidebar for key indications for referral.

    March 26, 2020
    Germline and Somatic Mutations: What Is the Difference?
    Genetics & genomics

    Germline and Somatic Mutations: What Is the Difference?

    Cancer occurs from mutations, or harmful changes from an alteration in a gene’s DNA sequence. Most mutations involve changes in the order of the base pairs, including substitutions, deletions, additions, or shifts. Mutations can be divided into broad categories based on the tissue where they occur.

    January 14, 2020
    Continued Conversation Shows That Nurses Need More Genetics Education
    Genetics & genomics

    Continued Conversation Shows That Nurses Need More Genetics Education

    During the  44th Annual ONS Congress in April 2019, some sessions featured a Continuing the Conversation event following the main session. As a speaker, this might have been the best part for me. It was filled with unexpected, wonderful surprises and great conversations with oncology nursing colleagues.

    July 19, 2019
    Why Pretesting Counseling Is Critical in the Age of Consumer Genetic Tests
    Genetics & genomics

    Why Pretesting Counseling Is Critical in the Age of Consumer Genetic Tests

    On March 6, 2018, 23andMe—an at-home genetic testing company—announced their direct-to-consumer genetic test (DTCGT) would include DNA results for the three common founder BRCA mutations commonly seen in people with Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. This was big news because DNA results for the BRCA mutations had been previously available on the 23andMe panel report until the U.S. Food and Drug Administration removed them in 2013.

    July 06, 2018
    A Career in Nursing Offers Plethora of Challenging, Satisfying Opportunities
    Oncology nurse pride

    A Career in Nursing Offers Plethora of Challenging, Satisfying Opportunities

    It’s the season for graduations. My husband and I recently celebrated our youngest daughter’s graduation from Saint Louis University School of Nursing—just as we did for our two older daughters. As I reflected on this time of celebration, I was reminded of when I was asked to write for Continuing the Legacy: More Voices of Oncology Nurses, an ONS book that shares the narrative history of oncology nursing through individual nurse stories. I wrote about a patient who taught me a lot during our time together. At the end of each story, the authors were asked to reflect on their contributions and their experiences. With all of the celebrations lately, I had to look back on what I wrote.

    June 08, 2018
    How DNA Revolutionized Oncology Care
    Genetics & genomics

    How DNA Revolutionized Oncology Care

    April 25, 2018, marks National DNA Day. Why the hype? National DNA Day commemorates the successful completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003, and the discovery of DNA's double helix in 1953. Without DNA, understanding the diseases and treatments for cancer would be nearly impossible. Genetics and genomics play huge roles in treating malignancy, and it’s crucial to the care of patients with cancer for oncology nurses to understand genetics and genomics.

    April 25, 2018
    Cancer Prevention and Awareness Starts With Oncology Nurses
    Cancer prevention

    Cancer Prevention and Awareness Starts With Oncology Nurses

    April is designated as National Cancer Control Month in the United States. It’s a federally endorsed observation, annually encouraged by a proclamation from the president. April is dedicated to raising awareness for cancer prevention and treatment throughout the country. Approved through a joint resolution by Congress in 1938, the yearly presidential announcement serves as a reminder to all Americans that awareness of the factors that cause or prevent cancer are crucial to the public health.  

    April 18, 2018
    Oncology Nurses Play Key Role in Genetics Education, Testing for Patients
    Genetics & genomics

    Oncology Nurses Play Key Role in Genetics Education, Testing for Patients

    Identifying genetically predisposed women with breast cancer who could benefit from risk assessment and genetic counseling is an important competency for oncology nurses. However, a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO) reported that fewer than 50% of newly diagnosed patients with breast cancer who should have been given formal genetic counseling actually received the appropriate genetic testing.

    March 29, 2018
    Oncology Nurses Can Help Patients Understand At-Home Genetic Testing
    Genetics & genomics

    Oncology Nurses Can Help Patients Understand At-Home Genetic Testing

    Direct-to-consumer genetic testing (DTCGT) has entered the prime-time stage. It’s difficult to watch TV without seeing ads touting the simplicity of DTCGT and what it can tell you, and it even made Oprah’s 2017 Favorite Things List.

    March 14, 2018
    CJON Offers Opportunities for Oncology Nurses to Start Writing
    Oncology nurse influence

    CJON Offers Opportunities for Oncology Nurses to Start Writing and Get Published

    Young authors have so much to share, and they shouldn’t think that what they have to say isn’t worthy of publication just because they’re young. I’ve had the privilege of mentoring young authors on many occasions. Recently, I had the joy of watching a novice author actually open a journal and see her article in print. It was made even more special because it was my daughter, Elaine, who is a senior nursing student at Saint Louis University School of Nursing. She shared her personal story about her decision to become a nurse in the Clinical Moment feature in the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing’s (CJON’s) October 2017 issue.

    November 03, 2017
    Oncology Nurses Need to Embrace Genetics
    Genetics & genomics

    Why Oncology Nurses Need to Embrace Genetics

    Genetics in clinical oncology nursing practice permeates all aspects of care from prevention and detection to treatment decisions to long-term survivorship care. Each of these areas often overlap, and oncology nurses need a solid genetics understanding to provide optimal care.

    October 23, 2017
    Breast Cancer Awareness
    Breast cancer

    Why Breast Cancer Awareness Is Important All Year

    As Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins this week, we’ll start seeing pink awareness efforts everywhere. Pink products will line the shelves at stores, awareness and fundraising ads will showcase celebrities wearing pink ribbons, and high school, collegiate, and even professional athletes will adorn their uniforms with pink, some even articulating a specific person or family member affected by breast cancer for whom they’re dedicating their athletic efforts.

    October 06, 2017
    Nursing School
    Nursing education

    After 100 Years, Nursing School Is Both Different Yet Still the Same

    Earlier this month, I found this picture of my grandmother from 1918. She must have sent it to her sister, because on the back of the photo was scrawled a message: “I thought you might want a snap to see me in my nursing uniform.” This is like a selfie from nearly a hundred years ago. Although the sign behind her says, “Don’t park here,” that’s exactly what she’s doing. The humor was not lost.

    September 22, 2017
    HPV Vaccination
    Cancer prevention

    The Importance of HPV Vaccination for Your Patients

    August marks the beginning of National Immunization Awareness Month, which is an annual observance to promote awareness of the importance of vaccination for individuals of all ages. It’s a great time for nurses to check with their patients and make sure they’re up to date on the recommended vaccines.

    August 01, 2017
    Ultraviolet Safety and Skin Cancer Risk
    Safety

    Raise Awareness in July for Ultraviolet Safety and Skin Cancer Risk

    With summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time to head outdoors and enjoy the sunny weather. But are you protecting yourself from potential risks? The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has named July as Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Month. The goal is to spread the word about how important it is to protect everyone’s skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. This presents a teaching opportunity for oncology nurses and their patients—not just during July but all year long.

    July 06, 2017
    supportive oncology services
    Cancer screening

    Local Organizations Can Make a Big Difference in Cancer Care

    I have the privilege of managing and being the sole provider in a unique program. I work in the Hereditary Cancer Program at Saint Louis University Cancer Center, where I provide risk assessment services and education about genetic testing to individuals and families in the region. It’s an amazing nursing role, and I can truly help people prevent cancer and manage their risk.

    June 28, 2017
    Melanoma Awareness
    Melanoma

    Encourage Malignant Melanoma Awareness in May

    As Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, May is the perfect time to encourage people to examine their skin and seek medical assistance if they recognize signs of a melanoma. Early detection and prompt treatment is associated with a much higher survival rate for skin cancer diagnoses.

    May 12, 2017
    Double Helix
    Genetics & genomics

    The Story of Henrietta Lacks Sheds Light on Ethical Considerations in Genetic Testing

    Imagine a situation where a patient’s tumor cells were used for countless scientific experiments—without the patient’s informed consent. Safeguards are in place today to prevent such an ethical breach, but in 1951 Henrietta Lacks and her family weren’t as lucky. Author Rebecca Skloot shared Henrietta’s story in a 2010 nonfiction book, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, that was adapted into a movie released on April 22, 2017.

    April 28, 2017
    Walking the dog
    Cancer prevention

    Physical Activity Benefits Patients and Nurses Throughout Life

    My husband is a gerontologist. My oldest daughter is an RN working with acutely ill elderly patients at a busy academic medical center. They both know that living to 90 or 100 years old is becoming the norm. They’ll also tell you that the habits formed throughout a lifetime can make a big difference in the quality of life as one gets older.

    April 07, 2017
    Clinical practice

    Genetic Testing Is Important for Survivorship

    Cancer survivorship is filled with many challenges, hopes, and expectations. June 5 marks National Survivorship Day, and survivorship is being celebrated throughout the month. Survivors are often not sure where they're going once their cancer journey commences. In my practice, I care for people with a genetic risk for cancer, and I work with survivors on a regular basis.

    June 04, 2016
    Cancer prevention

    Spread Awareness on Melanoma Monday

    On one of the first warm spring days in St. Louis, I came home and found my active dog, Maggie, sound asleep and enjoying the warmth of the sun. Like many humans, she was taking pleasure in a beautiful day and found it relaxing. As the summer approaches, many will spend much more time outside. Despite the inviting nature of a warm day, there are still hidden dangers. 

    April 28, 2016
    Nurse self-care

    Embracing the Hidden Benefits of Walking

    I have an energetic dog, Maggie. She’s a lab, German shepherd mix. She always sleeps much better when she has had a nice long walk in the neighborhood. I try to get her out most days, and I always go at least a mile—usually longer. She gets excited when she sees the leash, and we both reap the benefits of walking. It’s a great habit and something feels wrong when I miss a day.
    April 25, 2016
    Oncology nurse influence

    Supporting Nurses With Disabilities

    Recently, my middle daughter and I submitted a Letter to the Editor that was published in the professional nursing journal Nurse Educator. It was in response to a paper in the journal that emphasized the need for professional nursing to embrace and implement means for nurses with disabilities to contribute to excellent patient care.

    April 07, 2016
    Patient safety

    Celebrate Patient Safety Week

    March 13-19, 2016 marks Safety Awareness Week. It encourages both patients and healthcare professionals to take a role in promoting patient safety. This is an appropriate message, because it takes everyone working together to make care as safe as possible for patients, families, and the healthcare professionals who provide this care.

    March 13, 2016
    Cancer risk factors

    Addressing Myths About Family History and Cancer Risk

    Urban legends. Myths. Sometimes you should not believe everything you hear or read. The more emotionally charged the issue, often the bigger the myth. In my practice of providing cancer risk assessment and genetics education and counseling, patients often thank me at the end of the session and tell me they are going to explore the information more extensively at home on the internet. 

    March 09, 2016
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    Suzanne Mahon RN, DNSc, AOCN®, AGN-BC
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