Nurse navigators are advocating for patients in institutions across the country, setting an example for what oncology nurses at any level can do to help their patients through the cancer journey.

Jessica is preparing discharge teaching for Marty, a 63-year-old woman with stage IIIB high-grade serous ovarian cancer. During the discussion, Marty asks Jessica why such harsh treatment is being recommended when targeted therapies can kill cancer without destroying the immune system and causing any severe side effects.

Owen has been prescribed radiation and chemotherapy before surgery. He has had two weeks of therapy and has lost nearly five pounds. When the dietician mentioned a feeding tube, he "just blew up." What would you do?

The field of radiation therapy has come a long way since the introduction of x-rays in 1896. Radiation therapy is now used in nearly 50% of all cancer cases and contributes to 40% of curative treatment. With recent advancements, radiation therapy has grown by leaps and bounds.

Grace is a 42-year-old woman diagnosed with ER/PR-positive breast cancer who has been scheduled for four cycles of docetaxel plus cyclophosphamide chemotherapy. She's worried about losing her beautiful brunette hair.

Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders (NHOPI) experience a disproportionate burden of cancer. Although NHOPI make up only 1% of the U.S. population, they comprise 26% of Hawai‘i residents. The reasons for cancer health disparities in NHOPI include higher prevalence of tobacco use and obesity, lower income, lower rates of insurance coverage, and lower access to care than Caucasians.

Few therapies are effective for treating advanced soft tissue sarcoma, so pazopanib quickly became a commonly prescribed therapy once it was approved for STS in April 2012. Although pazopanib is safe and effective, patients must be educated about its administration and side effects.

Erin is a 34-year-old woman who is newly diagnosed with stage IIIA, ER+, PR+, HER2–, BRCA– breast cancer. She has a 5 cm tumor and one positive lymph node. She's a single mom, with one five-year-old child. She says that she just wants to have a mastectomy, probably a double mastectomy, and “have it over with and start chemo.” She says she's tired of waiting and wondering what will happen.