Journal of Oncology Medicine & Practice

A cancer diagnosis can be a life-altering moment. It is a journey that starts with the initial shock of discovery and leads to a series of critical decisions about treatment and care. Understanding the stages of cancer from diagnosis to treatment and beyond is essential for patients and their families as they navigate this challenging path. In this article, we'll break down the stages of cancer, offering insights into each phase and the importance of ongoing support.

Cancer remains a formidable global health challenge, responsible for millions of deaths each year. However, the landscape of cancer care is rapidly evolving, with a growing emphasis on prevention, early detection and timely intervention. This abstract highlights the critical role of awareness in cancer screening and early detection as a potent strategy to save lives. The importance of awareness cannot be overstated, as it serves as the first line of defense against cancer. This awareness encompasses understanding the risk factors associated with various types of cancer, recognizing warning signs and symptoms and appreciating the value of regular screenings. Public health campaigns, educational initiatives and community outreach programs play pivotal roles in disseminating this knowledge and empowering individuals to take proactive steps in their health journey. In conclusion, this abstract underscores the pivotal role of awareness in cancer screening and early detection, highlighting the transformative potential it holds in saving lives and reducing the global cancer burden. By fostering a culture of health consciousness and ensuring equitable access to screening and diagnostic tools, we can collectively work towards a future where cancer is detected early, treated effectively and ultimately defeated.

Cancer is a complex disease, often arising from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. While lifestyle choices such as smoking, diet and physical activity play a significant role in cancer risk, genetic factors also contribute to an individual's susceptibility to the disease. In this article, we will delve into the connection between genetics and cancer risk, exploring how inherited genetic variations can influence one's likelihood of developing cancer.

Background: Central venous lines are important part in management of pediatric oncology patients, in spite of that, obtaining these access carry risk of complication. Central Venous Catheter-related Thrombosis (CVCT) is one of the major complications.

Methods: This is a single-center retrospective study; we analyzed all pediatric oncology patients with a Central Venous Catheter (CVC) over 3 years period, focused on the CVCT risk factor and its outcome. Data were retrieved from patients’ hard and electronic medical records and collected in the Redcap system.

Results: A total of 323 CVCs were inserted in 266 pediatric oncology patients, 14 CVCT episodes were discover (4.33%) which was occurred in 13 patients. The incidence of CVCT was highest among hematological malignancy 10 out of 13 patients. Using steroid as part of chemotherapy was recognized as significant risk for CVCT (P value: 0.019), having a peripherally inserted central catheter PICC or femoral line compared with an implantable port Cath were associated with increased risk of CVCT (P value <.001) besides of that the risk of thrombosis increased with subsequent insertions of the central line compared with a single central line insertion (P value: .004). 50% of CVCT were asymptomatic, LMWH was used in 9 episodes and line removed in 7, complete resolution occurred in 10 episodes.

Conclusion: The use of CVC is a crucial corner in managing pediatric oncology patients and improves their quality of life, yet it is associated with significant complications, such as infection, thrombosis, and dysfunction.

The pediatric oncologists and pediatric surgeons should pay special attention to ensure optimal and appropriate CVC placement methods and post-insertion care which may play an essential role in minimizing CVC-associated complications.

Prospective studies are crucial to evaluate the clinical significance of CVC-dysfunction and its impact on the development of thrombosis, infection, or outcome of children with cancer. And to provide recommendations to improve the preventive strategies for such events.

Introduction: Routine symptom screening for cancer patients using Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) is standard practice in Ontario to identify physical and emotional symptoms that can go undetected by clinicians. However, provider response to PROMs is essential to addressing symptom burden. To measure clinician response, a Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) chart audit process was developed to determine whether clinical teams acknowledged, assessed and/or addressed commonly experienced oncology symptoms outlined in the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS).

Methods: Annually, RCCs received a chart audit tool with preset options. Sites audited charts for seven of the ESAS symptoms using a business intelligence tool to access patient charts based on sampling parameters. RCCs were required to audit charts of patients whose ESAS symptom scores were moderate to severe (4-10), with at least five charts in the moderate range (4-6).

Results: Overall, 4,679 charts from all 14 RCCs were examined in the FY 2016/17 and FY2017/18 audits (2,377 charts and 2,302 charts, respectively). Depression (45.5%) and anxiety (49.0%) were the least likely to be recorded in the patient’s chart, whereas pain (75.1%) was the most likely to be noted. Patients reporting depression and anxiety were the least likely to be offered assessments (49.8% and 51.1%, respectively) and interventions (47.0%, 46.5%, respectively). Patients reporting pain were the most likely to receive assessments (72.2%) and interventions (64.3%).

Conclusion: Chart audits help measure clinical response to PROMs, providing useful information on the gaps in care, including response to emotional symptoms and can inform local quality improvement initiatives.