OBJECTIVES: To examine current public health initiatives related to skin cancer prevention and early detection, and public education issues. DATA SOURCES: Review articles, research reports, web sites, and government reports. CONCLUSIONS: Skin cancer remains a major public health problem. Efforts to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with skin cancer are gradually shifting toward primary prevention. Primary prevention efforts should not only be limited to using sunscreen, but should also focus on reductions in ultraviolet light exposure. Secondary prevention efforts include professional skin examinations and skin self-examination. Tertiary efforts focus on the prevention and detection of additional primary skin cancers. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses can influence the public to practice primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies for skin cancer.

Health Education↗

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Patient education for women being fitted for breast prostheses.

Women who undergo mastectomy or other types of breast surgery often will be fitted for breast prostheses for therapeutic weight replacement as well as cosmetic purposes. Nurses are instrumental in educating women about issues related to breast surgery and in helping to promote psychosocial adjustment to the diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Nurses often are involved in the referral process for breast prostheses. Prostheses and bras that fit properly can be very important in the recovery process and ultimately improve quality of life for cancer survivors. Unlike in the past, many choices are available today for women who opt to use breast prostheses. Prostheses come in different colors, shapes, and weights, and some adhere to the chest wall. Many options also are available for bras, camisoles, and swimsuits, which are helpful adjuncts to the fit of the prosthesis. The purpose of this article is to describe the fitting process and options currently available for breast prostheses. Nurses can use this information to inform women of available breast prostheses options and help prepare them for a fitting.

Breast↗

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A comprehensive look at the early detection of ovarian cancer.

Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecologic cancer deaths and the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among American women. Advances in surgery and treatment modalities have slightly improved five-year survival rates, but the prognosis for most women continues to be poor. Rectovaginal examination, ultrasound, and the CA-125 blood test are three modalities currently used to screen for ovarian cancer, although no universal ovarian cancer screening guidelines are recommended for the general population. Developments in the early detection of ovarian cancer are emerging and include blood tests that could lead to identifying asymptomatic, early-stage ovarian cancer. Nurses should be knowledgeable about these developments in ovarian cancer as they educate women about ovarian cancer risk, prevention, and early detection.

Adult↗

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Patient education regarding cancer screening guidelines.

A diverse group of agencies and organizations issues various cancer screening recommendations, which can confuse patients and healthcare providers. After risk for a particular cancer is understood, screening recommendations can be made. Healthcare providers should scrutinize carefully why particular recommendations are made and disclose the rationale to patients. Patients need to understand the strengths, limitations, risks, costs, and expected outcomes associated with recommendations for screening. Well-informed healthcare providers can encourage and facilitate dialogue with patients about cancer screening and help them make informed health promotion decisions. At the end of this article, an evidence-based pull-out reference sheet reviews the American Cancer Society's cancer screening recommendations.

American Cancer Society↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Genetics.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Genetic Counseling↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Evidence-based practice: recommendations for the early detection of breast cancer.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

American Cancer Society↗