Using the Dermatology Life Quality Index to Assess How Breast Radiodermatitis Affects Patients' Quality of Life.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to report the initial validation process for using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) for radiodermatitis of the breast.

Methods: This is an additional analysis of a study designed to report a longitudinal study in skin-related and global quality of life in women with breast radiodermatitis. A total of 40 participants completed the DLQI instrument weekly while receiving external radiotherapy of the female breast.

Novel measurements for radiodermatitis research and clinical care: A pilot and feasibility study.

Purpose: The role of clinician-measured breast length and bra cup size in the development of radiodermatitis over time and the efficacy of using multiple measurements of skin toxicity during radiotherapy were piloted. The feasibility of measures to be used in a larger future study was assessed.

Methods And Materials: Participants included women receiving normofractionated or accelerated external breast radiotherapy provided in the supine position using 3-dimensional conformal techniques at a US community cancer center.

Hereditary Breast and Hereditary Ovarian Cancer: Implications for the Oncology Nurse.

Objectives: To review heredity cancer syndromes involving the breasts, ovaries, or breast and ovaries. To recommend useful professional and patient resources on cancer genetics. A case study of germline BRCA genetic testing after allogeneic bone marrow transplant is presented.

Skin-related Quality of Life among Midwestern US Community-based Women with Breast Cancer Experiencing Radiodermatitis.

Objective: Little is known about the skin-related quality of life (QOL) among women receiving external radiotherapy (EBT) and who experience breast radiodermatitis. This pilot study aimed to describe the thoughts and experiences of women experiencing breast radiodermatitis of the breast at a comprehensive community cancer program.

Methods: A printed survey was used to solicit feedback on the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) during the 5 week of EBT.

How American Nurses Association Code of Ethics informs genetic/genomic nursing.

Members of the Ethics and Public Policy Committee of the International Society of Nurses in Genetics prepared this article to assist nurses in interpreting the American Nurses Association (2015) Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements (Code) within the context of genetics/genomics. The Code explicates the nursing profession's norms and responsibilities in managing ethical issues. The nearly ubiquitous application of genetic/genomic technologies in healthcare poses unique ethical challenges for nursing.

Longitudinal trends in skin-related and global quality of life among women with breast radiodermatitis: A pilot study.

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the relationship between skin-related quality of life (SR-QOL) and global quality of life (G-QOL) among women experiencing breast radiodermatitis, measure change in SR-QOL and G-QOL between the start and fifth week on radiotherapy, and examine the trend in SR-QOL and severity of radiodermatitis over time on treatment.

Methods: A descriptive longitudinal study using repeated measurements was implemented. Forty women undergoing whole breast 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy at a comprehensive community cancer center completed the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) weekly and Quality of Life-Breast Cancer Patient Version at baseline before and at five weeks on radiotherapy.

Ethics and Genetics: Examining a Crossroads in Nursing Through a Case Study .

Background: The field of genetics and genomics is rapidly expanding, particularly in oncology. Genetics and genomics can lead to ethical concerns. Oncology nurses must balance the need for evidence-based oncology care with that of ethical care for patients and their family members.

Cowden syndrome: what oncology nurses need to know about increased risk of developing certain cancers.

Cowden syndrome (CS) is a genetic disorder characterized by multiple benign tissue growths (i.e., hamartomas) and an increased risk of developing specific cancers, such as breast, thyroid, kidney, endometrial, or colorectal cancer (Genetics Home Reference, 2012).

The impact of genomics on oncology nursing.

Since 2003, genetics and genomics information has led to exciting new diagnostics, prognostics, and treatment options in oncology practice. Profiling of cancers offers providers insight into treatment and prognostic factors. Germline testing provides an individual with information for surveillance or therapy that may help them prevent cancer in their lifetime and options for family members as yet untouched by malignancy.

Reflex immunohistochemistry and microsatellite instability testing of colorectal tumors for Lynch syndrome among US cancer programs and follow-up of abnormal results.

Purpose: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2 protein expression and microsatellite instability (MSI) are well-established tools to screen for Lynch syndrome (LS). Although many cancer centers have adopted these tools as reflex LS screening after a colorectal cancer diagnosis, the standard of care has not been established, and no formal studies have described this practice in the United States. The purpose of this study was to describe prevalent practices regarding IHC/MSI reflex testing for LS in the United States and the subsequent follow-up of abnormal results.