ONS Connect - December 2008 - (Page 22) NOTiCENuRSiNGNOw Use Your Voice to Appeal for Cancer Research Funding [By Jeanette Kent, ONS Public Relations Manager] lthough death rates from cancer in the United States have decreased since the 1990s, now is not the time for government to cut funding for cancer research. The American Cancer Society (2008) estimates that 1,437,180 A new cancer cases will be diagnosed in 2008. When patients are diagnosed with chronic illnesses such as cancer, they spend more time with their nurses than with their physicians. This puts oncology nurses in a unique position to be a voice advocating for research for new cancer treatments for their patients. You can do this at the community level by using your local media to communicate your appeal to the general public. • Write a letter to the editor. Editorial pages are often the most widely read sections of the newspaper. Although letters to the editor are usually in response to a recent story, letter, or current event, publications often will print general commentary letters. Share a personal story or anecdote about how cancer research has helped to improve the quality of life of your patients. • Submit an op-ed or opinion piece. Opeds are longer than letters to the editor and provide an opportunity for you to educate and persuade your audience about the importance of research and how your patients benefitted from it. Time your piece to coincide with a hot topic, such as breast cancer research during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Other ways to help include encouraging your local ONS chapter to sponsor an event that supports cancer research or making a regular donation to cancer research or a donation in memory of a loved one, friend, patient, or colleague. Your donation is an investment in cancer research. ✱ American Cancer Society. (2008). Cancer facts and figures 2008. Retrieved October 24, 2008, from http://www.cancer.org/downloads/ STT/2008CAFFfinalsecured.pdf Submit Your Abstracts Now for the 2009 ONS Congress The 2009 Congress planning team wants to hear from you! Abstracts are currently being accepted for the ONS 34th Annual Congress, April 30–May 3, 2009, in San Antonio, TX. The deadline for submission is Tuesday, January 13. Abstract presentations are focused on the areas of administration/leadership development, clinical/evidence-based practice, education, and research study. Selection of abstracts will be based solely on blind peer review. Abstracts may be selected for presentation in podium or poster sessions. Abstracts must be of the author’s own completed work or work in progress. They may or may not have been presented previously at the local or regional level. The primary author must be an RN, licensed healthcare professional, or doctorally prepared individual and consent to be the contact person. The scoring criteria for submitted abstracts are based on significance, background, a clearly defined purpose, measurable goals, clear presentation, and cutting-edge innovation. Need help preparing an abstract? Do we have a program for you! The idea of submitting an abstract for Congress can be intimidating, and many questions about the process and structure may arise. Through the ONS Mentorship Program for Abstract Writers, novice abstract writers are partnered with experienced mentors to help guide them through the process. For more information, call +1-866-257-4ONS or e-mail education@ons.org. Visit www.ons.org for more details about the abstract guidelines, review process, and the abstract mentoring program. 22 ONS CONNECT December 2008 http://www.cancer.org/downloads/STT/2008CAFFfinalsecured.pdf http://www.cancer.org/downloads/STT/2008CAFFfinalsecured.pdf http://www.ons.org
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