ONS Connect - June 2008 - (Page 9)

on female family caregivers of patients at the initiation of radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 26(4), 599–605. Blood Test for Breast Cancer Introduced in the Middle East lthough millions of American women receive mammograms each year, many women in the Middle East avoid the important screening procedure, often because of strong underlying cultural bias. A new, minimally invasive diagnostic tool that analyzes biomarkers or specific proteins in a woman’s blood serum to detect breast cancer may help overcome that barrier. The breast cancer test, called BC-SeraPro, is being introduced by its manufacturer, Power3, in 12 Middle Eastern countries: Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Syria, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. In addition to providing the countries with a diagnostic test more suitable for their culture, the test can be supplemental to traditional mammography and magnetic resonance imaging. Researchers hope that the test will allow for the earlier detection of breast cancer, alleviating the problems that many Middle Eastern women face because of late-stage detection. Power3 Medical Products. (n.d.). Breast cancer blood test introduced to the Middle East [Press release]. Retrieved March 31, 2008, from http://power3medical.ir.stockpr.com/news/ detail/51 A they must follow instructions precisely and take the proper laxatives to ensure that their bowels are empty so that doctors can see the lining. If any waste remains, flat lesions will not be visible. Studies have shown that in about a quarter of all colonoscopies, bowel preparation is inadequate. Soetikno, R.M., Kaltenbach, T., Rouse, R.V., Park, W., Maheshwari, A., Sato, T., et al. (2008). Prevalence of nonpolypoid (flat and depressed) colorectal neoplasms in asymptomatic and symptomatic adults. JAMA, 299(9), 1027–1035. Cancer Treatment May Affect Caregivers P hysical and emotional stress is often experienced by caregivers of patients with cancer; however, little research has been done on the prevalence of stress symptoms and their effects on caregivers. A recent study looked at 60 men with prostate cancer who were to begin radiation therapy and asked them to designate one person as being most involved in their care. The study evaluated stress symptoms in patients and caregivers and the effect on functional status and quality of life. The designees, all women with a mean age of 64, were considered primary family caregivers. A series of questionnaires were used to determine prevalence rates for symptoms and to determine which symptoms were clinically meaningful. The family caregivers reported high anxiety scores (40.7%), sleep disturbances (36.7%), and depression (12.1%). Family caregivers with high symptom levels had lower functional levels and lower quality of life. Depression had the greatest debilitating effect on the caregivers’ quality of life. Further study is indicated to describe how symptoms change over time and the effect of the symptoms on family caregivers’ ability to provide patient care. Fletcher, B.S., Paul, S.M., Dodd, M.J., Schumacher, K., West, C., Cooper, B., et al. (2008). Prevalence, severity, and impact of symptoms Contributing Editor Deborah McBride, RN, MSN, CPON ®, is a nurse at the Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center and a faculty member at Samuel Merritt College in Oakland, CA. June 2008 ONS CONNECT 9 http://power3medical.ir.stockpr.com/news/detail/51 http://power3medical.ir.stockpr.com/news/detail/51

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ONS Connect - June 2008 Contents Editor's Note Just In They Have a Dream A Year in the Life—Month Six Web Connect Capitol Connection Notice Nursing Now Caregiver Care Manage Skin Toxicities Associated With EGFR Inhibitors Blood Test for Ovarian Cancer May Be 99 Percent Accurate Calendar of Events Working For You Staying On Top

ONS Connect - June 2008

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