Oncol Nurs Forum
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40849926
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BACKGROUND: The inaugural "Cancer Symptom Science Expert Meeting," held in Lausanne, Switzerland, on October 11-12, 2023, brought together 40 nurse scientists from seven countries. The event aimed to enhance collaboratio...BACKGROUND: The inaugural "Cancer Symptom Science Expert Meeting," held in Lausanne, Switzerland, on October 11-12, 2023, brought together 40 nurse scientists from seven countries. The event aimed to enhance collaboration across the global symptom science community; identify common research interests, gaps in knowledge, and opportunities for research; and develop strategies to address challenges and accelerate symptom science research internationally. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this white paper is to summarize the discussions and recommendations deliberated during the meeting and introduce the Global Research Alliance in Symptom Science (GRASS). METHODS: This two-day meeting featured presentations that highlighted critical issues and unanswered questions in cancer symptom science and other chronic conditions. Attendees identified four core topic areas based on the knowledge gaps reflected throughout the presentations. Of note, the co-occurrence of cancer with other chronic conditions (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes) that may share similar contributors and underlying mechanisms were included in broader context. Four working groups (WGs) were formed to identify gaps and opportunities associated with each topic and to outline strategic directions and essential actions to advance symptom science. RESULTS: The WGs developed recommendations on four core topic areas. WG1 explored optimal approaches to collect, analyze, and use symptom data for research and clinical purposes. WG2 addressed the development of a minimum dataset or common data model for symptom science research. WG3 focused on enhancement of best practices in implementation science strategies to improve uptake of evidence-based symptom management strategies in routine clinical care. WG4 addressed the questions of capacity building and infrastructure for the creation of a global alliance in symptom science (GRASS). DISCUSSION: WGs' recommendations underscore the commitment of an international coalition of scientists to advance symptom science. The symposium established the groundwork for the group to constitute GRASS, a global research alliance dedicated to symptom science in cancer and other chronic conditions. Future directions include establishing regular scientific meetings, fostering interprofessional collaboration, and engaging with symptom scientists.
Park S, Bristol AA, Mazanec SR
… +1 more, Wallace AS
Oncol Nurs Forum
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40849921
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OBJECTIVES: To identify social risks and unmet needs in individuals with cancer and to compare differences between those living in metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. SAMPLE & SETTING: 900 individuals with cancer...OBJECTIVES: To identify social risks and unmet needs in individuals with cancer and to compare differences between those living in metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. SAMPLE & SETTING: 900 individuals with cancer who completed the Health Information National Trends Survey. METHODS & VARIABLES: Data from the Health Information National Trends Survey were used. Descriptive statistics, t tests, and chi-square analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Of 900 individuals with cancer, 16% resided in nonmetropolitan areas. In the past year, 9% experienced food insecurity, 9% experienced housing instability, and 8% lacked transportation, and more than 30% felt uncomfortable sharing these issues with healthcare providers. Nonmetropolitan residents had lower health literacy, income, and education. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Nonmetropolitan residents had higher social risks, but their unmet needs did not differ from metropolitan residents. Building open communication and trust between individuals and healthcare providers is crucial for ensuring effective support and personalized care.
Oncol Nurs Forum
· 2025 Jun · PMID 40577583
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To commemorate ONS's 50th anniversary in 2025, throughout the year, we will be reprinting seminal editorials written by former editors of the Oncology Nursing Forum and the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing that have...To commemorate ONS's 50th anniversary in 2025, throughout the year, we will be reprinting seminal editorials written by former editors of the Oncology Nursing Forum and the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing that have had.
Oncol Nurs Forum
· 2025 Jun · PMID 40577582
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Remaining relevant means staying informed about technological advances and teaching innovations that shape how we educate future professionals. I believe the responsible use of artificial intelligence may be the resource...Remaining relevant means staying informed about technological advances and teaching innovations that shape how we educate future professionals. I believe the responsible use of artificial intelligence may be the resource that.
Skrovanek E, Bender CM, Dunbar-Jacob J
… +3 more, Mai PL, Sereika SM, Wesmiller SW
Oncol Nurs Forum
· 2025 Jun · PMID 40577581
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OBJECTIVES: To evaluate how reproductive decision-making in women with a known BRCA pathogenic variant is influenced by emotional states and individual factors. SAMPLE & SETTING: 85 women with a BRCA pathogenic varia...OBJECTIVES: To evaluate how reproductive decision-making in women with a known BRCA pathogenic variant is influenced by emotional states and individual factors. SAMPLE & SETTING: 85 women with a BRCA pathogenic variant from a familial cancer registry at a local university hospital system in Pennsylvania. METHODS & VARIABLES: This exploratory, descriptive study used the validated Appraisal of Life Events Scale to measure emotional states. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the relationships among emotional states, BRCA pathogenic variant status, and individual factors in reproductive decision-making. RESULTS: Age at genetic testing and number of children significantly predicted decisions about having more children. Among women with family history of ovarian cancer, perceived loss/benefit was significantly associated with reproductive decision-making. Loss/benefit was significantly related to reproductive decision-making among women with family history of ovarian cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Recognizing the emotional impact of reproductive decision-making in women at risk for hereditary cancer could aid in improving their overall health and psychosocial outcomes.
Oncol Nurs Forum
· 2025 Jun · PMID 40577580
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OBJECTIVES: To assess the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for the care of patients with malignancies and capture the expected number of patients with pathogenic variants (PVs) linked to hereditary...OBJECTIVES: To assess the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for the care of patients with malignancies and capture the expected number of patients with pathogenic variants (PVs) linked to hereditary cancers. This research assessed how well the NCCN Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast, Ovarian, and Pancreatic, version 3.2023, and Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Colorectal, version 2.2022, guidelines identify patients with cancer-related PVs. SAMPLE & SETTING: 116 health records of patients aged 18 years or older who completed an 84-multigene cancer panel study in a hospital in the midwestern United States were reviewed. METHODS & VARIABLES: The hospital system's cancer risk assessment clinical database was used to acquire patient information and test results from patients with PVs. These data were evaluated against NCCN guidelines to determine whether testing guidelines were met. RESULTS: There were 38 participants who met NCCN testing guidelines for hereditary breast cancer, 24 who met Lynch syndrome criteria, and 17 who had a single PV but did not meet any of the testing criteria. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: This retrospective chart review verifies the need for multigene panel testing. There were 17 patients with PVs who did not meet NCCN guidelines for testing.
Brown SL, Blackburn L, Bender S
… +3 more, Roblee KM, Stautberg M, Sinnott LT
Oncol Nurs Forum
· 2025 Jun · PMID 40577579
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OBJECTIVES: To determine whether bright white light therapy (BWLT) would improve symptoms, including fatigue, anxiety, depression, distress, and sleep disturbance, for hospitalized patients with acute leukemia. SAMPLE &A...OBJECTIVES: To determine whether bright white light therapy (BWLT) would improve symptoms, including fatigue, anxiety, depression, distress, and sleep disturbance, for hospitalized patients with acute leukemia. SAMPLE & SETTING: 74 patients were accrued from a 24-bed acute leukemia unit at a cancer hospital in the midwestern United States. METHODS & VARIABLES: A nonblinded, randomized controlled clinical trial was designed to compare a control group to a group who received BWLT for 30 minutes each morning. Five survey tools were provided to all participants at baseline; at weeks 1, 2, and 3; at the time of discharge; and at one month postdischarge. RESULTS: Statistical significance was identified at weeks 1, 2, and 3, with the BWLT group reporting less anxiety, sleep disturbance, and fatigue at week 2. There was little difference between the two groups with their distress and depression. Patients who received BWLT completed an acceptability survey; only 11 participants said they planned to use BWLT in the future, and an average score of 8.5 (on a 1-10 rating scale, with higher scores indicating greater acceptability) was reported for ease of use. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Based on the results of this study, it may be useful for nurses to offer BWLT to hospitalized patients with acute leukemia.
Oncol Nurs Forum
· 2025 Jun · PMID 40577578
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PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION: In Malawi, the cervical cancer death rate is eight times that of the global rate. Cervical cancer is preventable by vaccination, screening, and early treatment. The purpose of this study was to id...PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION: In Malawi, the cervical cancer death rate is eight times that of the global rate. Cervical cancer is preventable by vaccination, screening, and early treatment. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of cervical cancer screening and factors associated with screening uptake among women in Malawi using Whittemore and Knafl's integrative methodologic review framework. LITERATURE SEARCH: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in MEDLINE®, Scopus®, Academic Search Complete, CINAHL®, and Google Scholar™ databases. DATA EVALUATION: 12 studies met the inclusion criteria, and quality was assessed using the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool, version 2018. Themes were categorized within the situation-specific theory components. SYNTHESIS: The screening rate ranged from 1.74% to 47%. Access to healthcare services factors and individual, sociocultural, and sociodemographic factors were associated with screening uptake. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: The identified gaps in cervical cancer prevention in Malawi can serve as evidence to develop nursing intervention strategies to promote screening and treatment uptake in the country.
Caramore A, Sharma B, O'Leary J
… +2 more, Aviki EM, Thom B
Oncol Nurs Forum
· 2025 Jun · PMID 40577577
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OBJECTIVES: To investigate nursing staff perceptions of financial toxicity (FT), its causes, and their role in mitigating it, as well as their prior training in addressing financial concerns. SAMPLE & SETTING: 535 RN...OBJECTIVES: To investigate nursing staff perceptions of financial toxicity (FT), its causes, and their role in mitigating it, as well as their prior training in addressing financial concerns. SAMPLE & SETTING: 535 RNs, advanced practice providers, and ancillary staff at an urban comprehensive cancer center. METHODS & VARIABLES: Respondents completed an online survey, adapted from prior work with physicians, as part of a quality improvement effort. RESULTS: Most respondents (76%) felt (a) they should play an active role in interventions to minimize FT and (b) they should be aware of a patient's risk of FT. A greater proportion of advanced practice providers felt they should play an active role in interventions compared to RNs (chi-square = 4.1, p = 0.04). Most respondents reported receiving no training on costs of care (87%) or how to have cost conversations (91%). Recommendations for mitigation included offering telehealth visits and changing follow-up intervals. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Nursing staff, including RNs and advanced practice providers, want to play an active role in preventing and mitigating FT but often feel they do not have the training to do so. Future efforts should focus on FT education for nursing staff.
Durosier Mertilus DS, Szalacha LA, Donovan KA
… +4 more, Lengacher CA, Tinsley-Vance SM, Sokol L, Rodriguez CS
Oncol Nurs Forum
· 2025 Jun · PMID 40577576
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OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and sexual distress among male and female patients with lymphoma during cancer treatment. SAMPLE & SETTING: A sample of 20 patients with lymphoma was recru...OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and sexual distress among male and female patients with lymphoma during cancer treatment. SAMPLE & SETTING: A sample of 20 patients with lymphoma was recruited from the Malignant Hematology Department of a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center to participate in this study. METHODS & VARIABLES: This study was one part of a pilot mixed-methods study and used a quantitative-descriptive, cross-sectional design. Data on sexual dysfunction and sexual distress were collected using four validated self-report questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: Sexual dysfunction (n = 9 of 14 among male versus all female participants) and sexual distress (n = 6 of 14 among male versus n = 4 of 6 among female participants) were prevalent among patients with lymphoma undergoing cancer treatment. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Sexual function should be routinely assessed during every visit. In addition, sexual health should be integrated in survivorship care plans.
Oncol Nurs Forum
· 2025 Apr · PMID 40293938
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To commemorate ONS's 50th anniversary in 2025, throughout the year, we will be reprinting seminal editorials written by former editors of the Oncology Nursing Forum and the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing that have...To commemorate ONS's 50th anniversary in 2025, throughout the year, we will be reprinting seminal editorials written by former editors of the Oncology Nursing Forum and the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing that have had.
Oncol Nurs Forum
· 2025 Apr · PMID 40293937
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Recent policy changes and potential reductions in federal research funding highlight the need for clarity around the evidence supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in health care and the role of organiz...Recent policy changes and potential reductions in federal research funding highlight the need for clarity around the evidence supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in health care and the role of organization.
Ashley A, Marsh K, Ling J
… +4 more, Lehto RH, Wu HS, Moser JS, Wittenborn AK
Oncol Nurs Forum
· 2025 Apr · PMID 40293936
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PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION: This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the state of the science to determine relationships among adult patient- and family member-perceived family resilience, individual resilience and...PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION: This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the state of the science to determine relationships among adult patient- and family member-perceived family resilience, individual resilience and perceived family resilience, and perceived family resilience and psychosocial outcomes. LITERATURE SEARCH: PubMed®, CINAHL®, PsycINFO®, Sociological Abstracts, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. Random effects models were performed to calculate pooled effect sizes, and meta-analyses were conducted. DATA EVALUATION: Two authors assessed risk of bias using the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Study heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q test and the I2 statistic. Publication bias was evaluated. SYNTHESIS: Patient-perceived family resilience and family member-perceived family resilience were positively correlated. Family resilience was positively related to patient and family member individual resilience. Higher family resilience was associated with patients' reduced symptom burden and perceived stress and improved affect and quality of life, and family members' reduced caregiver burden and stress and higher social support and quality of life. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Investigations employing a longitudinal design are needed to understand any causal relationships between family resilience and psychosocial outcomes for the dyad.
Karimi-Rozveh A, Nasrollahi Bishe E, Mohammadi T
… +2 more, Vaezi M, Sayadi L
Oncol Nurs Forum
· 2025 Apr · PMID 40293935
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OBJECTIVES: To determine the level of preparedness, uncertainty, and distress of family caregivers (FCs) of patients before and after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. SAMPLE & SETTING: This study is a longitu...OBJECTIVES: To determine the level of preparedness, uncertainty, and distress of family caregivers (FCs) of patients before and after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. SAMPLE & SETTING: This study is a longitudinal cohort panel study involving 69 FCs of patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. METHODS & VARIABLES: Data were collected during the first week of hospitalization (T0) and two weeks after discharge (T1) via FCs' demographic information, a clinical status form for patients, two scales, and a psychological distress instrument. IBM SPSS Statistics, version 16.0, was used for data analysis. RESULTS: The mean preparedness among FCs decreased significantly at T1 compared to T0. In addition, the uncertainty experienced by FCs was significantly higher at T0 than at T1. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Assessing the readiness of FCs and providing them with psychological and supportive interventions before patients are discharged is crucial for ensuring better care of patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Nurses must offer comprehensive information to FCs about patients' diagnosis, treatment, and care protocol to minimize uncertainty.
Eche-Ugwu IJ, Dunnack Yackel H, Pozzar RA
… +2 more, Hammer MJ, Cooley ME
Oncol Nurs Forum
· 2025 Apr · PMID 40293934
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PURPOSE: To explore the experiences and unmet clinical needs of patients with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: The authors recruited patients with cancer who received cancer-directed thera...PURPOSE: To explore the experiences and unmet clinical needs of patients with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: The authors recruited patients with cancer who received cancer-directed therapy in March 2020 at a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. Interviews with patients were conducted between June 2021 and January 2023. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: In this deductive-inductive descriptive qualitative investigation, participants completed a one-time 45-minute semistructured telephone interview via Zoom. FINDINGS: The qualitative analysis revealed (a) a myriad of psychological stressors, (b) bolstered human connectedness, (c) disruptions to daily life, (d) clinical support and education from healthcare teams, and (e) looking ahead to postpandemic life. Participants experienced changes in health behaviors and material hardships but highlighted support from family, friends, and healthcare teams. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: The cohort of patients experienced significant distress and disruptions to their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interventions implemented during an unanticipated event such as a pandemic need to be developed and tested to support patients with cancer.
Jung Wu C, Ho YF, Bai LY
… +3 more, Wu CF, Chen TT, Wang YJ
Oncol Nurs Forum
· 2025 Apr · PMID 40293933
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OBJECTIVES: To explore the trajectories of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in lymphoma survivors and assess subdomains of CIPN in this population. SAMPLE & SETTING: 80 newly diagnosed lymphoma survi...OBJECTIVES: To explore the trajectories of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in lymphoma survivors and assess subdomains of CIPN in this population. SAMPLE & SETTING: 80 newly diagnosed lymphoma survivors treated with R-CHOP were enrolled. METHODS & VARIABLES: CIPN was assessed before chemotherapy (T1), after the first chemotherapy cycle (T2), after the fourth chemotherapy cycle (T3), after the completion of chemotherapy (T4), and 10 weeks post-treatment (T5). CIPN was measured using the Total Neuropathy Score clinical version and the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory. RESULTS: Patients were categorized into high and low CIPN groups based on CIPN changes over time. The high CIPN group was older and experienced significantly more severe sensory peripheral neuropathy from T1 to T5, with the most severe symptoms observed at T4, followed by T3 and T5. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Healthcare providers should closely monitor older patients, those with pretreatment peripheral neuropathy symptoms, and those exhibiting pronounced sensory neuropathy during treatment to provide timely and effective symptom management, reducing the impact of CIPN.
Chung K, Wagenknecht AG, Kleckner AS
… +7 more, Loh KP, Lin PJ, Ryan AS, Dorsey SG, Zhu S, Rosenblatt P, Kleckner IR
Oncol Nurs Forum
· 2025 Apr · PMID 40293932
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OBJECTIVES: To examine the feasibility of high-frequency sampling of symptoms and gather preliminary data on whether daily exercise behavior is related to daily symptom fluctuations. SAMPLE & SETTING: Seven patients...OBJECTIVES: To examine the feasibility of high-frequency sampling of symptoms and gather preliminary data on whether daily exercise behavior is related to daily symptom fluctuations. SAMPLE & SETTING: Seven patients with cancer started a 12-week daily home-based walking and resistance exercise program during chemotherapy. METHODS & VARIABLES: Each day, patients rated pain, numbness/tingling, anxiety, and depression; resistance band exercise duration and perceived exertion; and steps for 12 weeks, as well as their pain at pre-, mid-, and postintervention. RESULTS: Overall, daily symptom ratings showed an expected large variation. Participants took more steps on and after days with less pain; performed more minutes of resistance exercises on days with less pain, numbness/tingling, and anxiety; and reported greater exertion on days with more pain and anxiety. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: It is feasible to collect daily symptom measures throughout an exercise intervention during chemotherapy. Oncology nurses can help support exercise behavior by offering interventions to reduce interfering symptoms and by promoting helpful beliefs about symptoms.
Alsbrook KE, Hagan Thomas T, DeVito Dabbs A
… +4 more, Diego E, Scott PW, Hacker ED, Wesmiller SW
Oncol Nurs Forum
· 2025 Apr · PMID 40293931
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OBJECTIVES: To describe the relationships among patient self-advocacy, patient-centered communication, pain intensity, and opioid stigma in female breast cancer survivors aged 65 years or older. SAMPLE & SETTING: 73...OBJECTIVES: To describe the relationships among patient self-advocacy, patient-centered communication, pain intensity, and opioid stigma in female breast cancer survivors aged 65 years or older. SAMPLE & SETTING: 73 women in a longitudinal study of symptoms experienced during the first year and as many as three years after breast cancer surgery. METHODS & VARIABLES: This prospective, cross-sectional study employed a descriptive, correlational design. Participants completed instrument assessments measuring self-advocacy, patient-centered communication, pain intensity, and opioid stigma. RESULTS: Self-advocacy correlated moderately positively with patient-centered communication. Patient-centered communication correlated moderately positively with informed decision-making. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Nurses can empower patients with the necessary skills to self-advocate for their needs and facilitate a patient-centered clinical environment to improve outcomes.
Oncol Nurs Forum
· 2025 Apr · PMID 40293930
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PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION: There is a gap in knowledge about the efficacy of exercise in managing cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) during and after chemotherapy. LITERATURE SEARCH: A syste...PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION: There is a gap in knowledge about the efficacy of exercise in managing cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) during and after chemotherapy. LITERATURE SEARCH: A systematic search was conducted in Scopus®, PubMed®, and CINAHL®, as well as citation searching, for studies about the impact of exercise on CRF in the AYA population. Abstract and full-text screening of 2,234 studies produced 15 studies for systematic review and 13 for meta-analysis. DATA EVALUATION: Effect size was calculated using standardized mean difference and confidence intervals. Subgroup analysis was conducted to assess the impact of various exercise types on CRF. A meta-regression was performed using exercise frequency, intensity, and duration as predictors to determine relationships with effect size on CRF and adherence to exercise. SYNTHESIS: Exercise had a large effect size on CRF in AYAs. No difference in effect size estimates for exercise type subgroups was observed. A linear association was found between exercise duration and CRF (p = 0.005), and exercise intensity and adherence (p = 0.037). IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Exercise is effective in managing CRF among AYAs, and efforts should be aimed toward including it in routine oncologic care.
Oncol Nurs Forum
· 2025 Apr · PMID 40293929
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OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of women's breast cancer worry, breast cancer fear, cancer information overload, and mammography barrier perception on undergoing mammography. SAMPLE & SETTING: 263 women aged 40-69...OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of women's breast cancer worry, breast cancer fear, cancer information overload, and mammography barrier perception on undergoing mammography. SAMPLE & SETTING: 263 women aged 40-69 years who presented for any reason at the Cancer Early Diagnosis, Screening, and Education Center or the Family Health Center in Turkey were included. Data were collected from January to March 2023. METHODS & VARIABLES: This cross-sectional study assessed breast cancer worry, breast cancer fear, cancer information overload, and mammography barrier perception. RESULTS: Age, a health professional's referral, knowledge about screening, lack of time, postponement, and mammography-related pain were factors that affected whether patients underwent screening. Those who were having regular screening tests had higher levels of cancer worry, and those who had never been screened had higher mammography barrier perception. The variables considered in the structural equation modeling differed in terms of those who were screened regularly, irregularly, or never. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: This study showed that women's breast cancer worry, breast cancer fear, cancer information overload, and mammography barrier perception affected their screening adherence. Each woman must be assessed individually to identify and address perceived barriers.