PITTSBURGH, PA—September 22, 2023—The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) has appointed Joni L. Watson, DNP, MBA, RN, OCN^®, as editor of the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing (CJON), effective January 1, 2024. Watson began serving as editor-elect in September to facilitate the transition.

More than 70% of the world’s population—5.6 billion people—live in a country that has a formal best practice tobacco control policy, a fivefold increase since 2007, according to the World Health Organization. The organization published its findings from the Ninth Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic in Lancet Oncology.

Many patients with cancer experience sleep disturbances, including insomnia, that can persist for years if not appropriately managed. The resulting increased risk for infections, anxiety, and depression can take a toll on patients’ quality of life.

Pharmacologic treatments for insomnia may contribute to adverse effects such as performance problems, memory disturbance, falls, and driving accidents, leading many patients to seek alternative or complementary therapies.

“Advocacy is a pillar of nursing. Nurses instinctively advocate for their patients, in their workplaces, and in their communities, but legislative and political advocacy is no less important to advancing the profession and patient care.” —American Nurses Association 

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) aged 20–39 account for the steepest increase in the rising rates of early-onset colorectal cancer, but identification of early warning signs and vigilant screening can prevent the predictions of the incidence doubling by 2030 in patients younger than 50 years. According to the results of a new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, four red flags should trigger clinicians to refer younger individuals for early detection testing. 

Neurofibromatosis type 2 is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by bilateral vestibular schwannomas that can lead to significant hearing loss or deafness. Symptoms include tinnitus, hearing loss, and balance problems, with an average age of onset of 18–24 years and nearly 100% penetrance.

Both collaborative and authoritative communication approaches have value in educating and engaging patients. When deciding which style to use with each patient, oncology nurses must evaluate the individual, situation, and decision-making dynamics. 

On September 14, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved new labeling for temozolomide (Temodar^®) under Project Renewal, an Oncology Center of Excellence (OCE) initiative that updates labeling information for older oncology drugs to ensure it is clinically meaningful and scientifically current. This is the second drug—both anticancer agents—to receive a labeling update under the pilot program. The first was for capecitabine (Xeloda^®).

From WashingtonPost.com: House Republicans on three committees have hashed out a package aimed at increasing healthcare transparency and extending critical health programs—and a GOP leadership aide said the legislation is being looked at for potential floor consideration this month. Over the August recess, GOP lawmakers on the House Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and Education and the Workforce committees worked to negotiate a package they could all get behind. But will Democrats support the bill? That’s still TBD.

Among all racial and ethnic groups, indigenous people (Native American and Alaska Natives) had the largest decline in life expectancy from 2020–2021. They also have the lowest overall life expectancy (65.2 years) than any of their Asian, Black, Hispanic, or White counterparts—in some cases, up to 20 years shorter. Indigenous people have disproportionately high rates of suicide, chronic liver disease, cardiac disorders, diabetes, and infant and maternal mortality.