Cancer nursing
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Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality are highest among African Americans. African Americans lag behind whites in CRC screening rates. Research has examined the role of CRC screening knowledge and beliefs and their relationship to CRC screening adherence. However, studies have not examined the effect cultural identity, social support, CRC beliefs, an informed decision, and having a chronic disease has on CRC screening among African Americans. ⋯ The results of the study suggest that social support and family influence concerning CRC screening be assessed to provide additional support to colonoscopy adherence. The results also suggest that diabetic patients may require additional intervention to increase colonoscopy adherence rates.
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Studies involving samples of children with life-threatening illnesses and their families face significant challenges, including inadequate sample sizes and limited diversity. Social media recruitment and Web-based research methods may help address such challenges yet have not been explored in pediatric cancer populations. ⋯ Web-based methods (eg, Facebook, Skype) may enhance communication and access between nurses and pediatric oncology patients and their families.
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The diagnosis of breast cancer, in combination with the anticipation of surgery, evokes fear, uncertainty, and anxiety in most women. ⋯ Clinicians need to implement systematic assessments of anxiety to identify high-risk women who warrant more targeted interventions. In addition, ongoing follow-up is needed to prevent adverse postoperative outcomes and to support women to return to their preoperative levels of function.
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Cognitive deficits have been reported as detrimental side effects in chemotherapy-treated breast cancer patients and survivors. Korean women treated for breast cancer may experience unrecognized cognitive deficits related to their treatment. However, no research has examined cognitive test performance in chemotherapy-treated Korean breast cancer survivors. ⋯ Healthcare providers should recognize that Korean women may be highly vulnerable to cognitive deficits. Cultural factors also need to be considered when assessing cognitive function and designing therapeutic interventions to counteract negative cognitive outcomes.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of groups with different patterns of symptom cluster intensity across the breast cancer treatment trajectory.
Comparing subgroups with different patterns of change in symptom intensity would assist in sorting out individuals at risk for more severe symptoms and worse functional outcomes. ⋯ Clinicians should consider these diverse symptom experiences for assessment/management.