Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has had considerable authority for the marketing and distribution of tobacco products for some time, the agency has been much more aggressive in asserting its jurisdiction over the issue in recent years.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new information on the disparities in smoking rates among racial and ethnic groups in the United States. According to the report, despite a decline in cigarette smoking rates in adults since 1964, there are disparities in Native American, Alaska Natives, Korean, and Puerto Rican Americans.
In a move designed to improve the provision of health care, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced $8.8 million in awards to be given to community health centers across the United States. The goal is to increase patient-centered care and improve the quality of services for more Americans.
The study of genetics for cancer research has become a priority in the oncology community. With the introduction of the Genomic Data Commons, the importance of understanding genetic markers in cancer populations may lead to new ways of treating the numerous forms of the disease.
There are currently 25 states, along with Washington, DC, that have passed legislation allowing the prescription of medical marijuana to patients with certain diseases. Throughout the country there have been pushes—both for and against—for a federal law supporting the use of medical marijuana. In mid-July, the Obama administration’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) hinted that it might support a federal law allowing for the use of medical marijuana.
Patients with cancer can face a number of complications as they undergo treatment. Assessment can be difficult because some crises emerge because of the cancer or cancer treatment, whereas others arise unrelated to either cancer or treatment. Moreover, some patients may not look as sick as they are because of the progressive decline in their condition, and long-term abnormalities can diminish symptoms. Although these emergencies are common, Brenda Shelton, RN, MS, and Cynthia Chernecky, PhD, RN, CNS, argued, at the 41st Annual ONS Congress, that many of these complications could be avoided with diligent monitoring and early intervention.
An interview with Jeannine Brant, PhD, APRN, AOCN®, FAAN
In 2015, pembrolizumab was approved as the first anti-PD-1 (programmed death receptor-1) therapy approved in the United States for the treatment of advanced melanoma, specifically for the treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma.
Owen has been prescribed radiation and chemotherapy before surgery. He has had two weeks of therapy and has lost nearly five pounds. When the dietician mentioned a feeding tube, he "just blew up." What would you do?
