From CancerCare

Meeting Patients Where They Are: Improving Communications With Those Affected by Breast Cancer

By

Joseline Lopez, MPsy CancerCare

Not all patients with breast cancer describe their experience the same way. To ensure good communications with these patients, you should allow the patient to define what terms best describe her experience.

A Review of Barriers to a Successful Patient-Provider Relationship in the Hispanic Community

By

Lucia Fanjul, LMSW CancerCare

A review of significant factors that influence treatment adherence among Hispanic patients.

Cancer and the Transgender Community

By

William Goeren, LCSW-R, ACSW, OSW-C, SEP CancerCare

CancerCare explains how cancer risks and care differ between transgender persons and the general population.

How to Support Positive Body Image and High Self-Esteem in Patients With Cancer

By

Leeann Medina-Martinez, LMSW CancerCare

The impact of treatment side effects on self-esteem and what nurses can do to help.

Meditation Made Easy: Simple Practices for Patients With Cancer and Their Caregivers

By

Richard Dickens, MS, LCSW-R CancerCare

This description of meditation practice, with some simple exercises, can serve as an introduction to its benefits or just help cancer patients and caregivers better cope with disease-related stress.

The Role of Positive Psychology in Oncology Practice

By

Claire Grainger-Valvano, LCSW, OSW-C CancerCare

A novel approach to how patients — and nurses — think about challenges can improve their mood and coping ability during a cancer crisis. Strategies that support better moods are also offered.

Fertility and Family Planning: Supportive Conversations With Cancer Patients

By

Angelique Caba, LCSW-R, CancerCare

These pointers can help oncology nurses broach the topics of fertility and family planning with patients with cancer or the parents of pediatric patients with cancer.

Shifting Dynamics of Social Support After a Cancer Diagnosis

By

A.J. Cincotta-Eichenfield, LMSW, CancerCare

A guide for helping patients assess their social network after a cancer diagnosis and find the supportive resources they may need.

The Role for Wounded Healers in Oncology Nursing

By

Richard Dickens, MS, LCSW-R

A reflection on how clinicians’ own illness humanizes them as healers.

How to Help Patients at the End of Life and Their Loved Ones During the Holidays

By

Mary Hanley, LMSW CancerCare

A social worker reviews the challenges patients and their families will face dealing with anticipatory grief and bereavement during festive holiday activities.