Insights into Navigation

Helping Patients with Advanced Cancer Live with Uncertainty

Lillie D. Shockney, RN, BS, MAS, HON-ONN-CG
These expert tips can help patients with cancer manage uncertainties and help oncology professionals cope with their own challenges as we press forward into year 3 of the pandemic.

Doctor, Is There a Sexologist in the House?

Lillie D. Shockney, RN, BS, MAS, HON-ONN-CG
Sexuality and intimacy are important aspects of life. Oncology navigators need to bring up the issue of sexual dysfunction during cancer treatments and discuss it with the patients like an everyday conversation.

COVID-19 and the Future of Cancer

Lillie D. Shockney, RN, BS, MAS, HON-ONN-CG
The number of people diagnosed with cancer will grow in 2022 and beyond due to delayed screening tests amid the pandemic as well as the aging of the baby boom population.

What to Anticipate in Our World of Cancer in 2022

Lillie D. Shockney, RN, BS, MAS, HON-ONN-CG
Make your own end-of-life plans as an example for patients who have advanced disease and will be experiencing end of life in 2022.

Educating Patients About Mammograms After Mastectomy

Lillie D. Shockney, RN, BS, MAS, HON-ONN-CG
Oncology navigators need to explain to patients why they no longer have mammograms after mastectomy with immediate or delayed reconstruction.

Melanoma — A Forgotten Cancer Until Summertime Comes Around Again?

Lillie D. Shockney, RN, BS, MAS, HON-ONN-CG
Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer. People need to be aware of the risk of melanoma year-round, not just when the sun is shining and the temperatures are high.

Why Is Breast Density Associated with Increased Risk of Breast Cancer?

Lillie D. Shockney, RN, BS, MAS, HON-ONN-CG
Patients with breast cancer need to pay attention to the degree of breast density in their mammogram report. Breast density is usually caused by estrogen, which feeds breast cancer cells and helps them to grow.

Helping Patients Research Family History of Cancers

Lillie D. Shockney, RN, BS, MAS, HON-ONN-CG
A 3-generation family history of cancers can help oncology specialists evaluate the treatment plans, and patients need to consult their treatment teams for how to research and share this information.

Managing Side Effects versus Preventing Side Effects

Lillie D. Shockney, RN, BS, MAS, HON-ONN-CG
Oncology specialists need to be proactive instead of reactive to side-effects management. Taking certain proactive measures, a specialist can prevent or considerably diminish side effects such as chronic fatigue, nausea, and hair loss.

Reducing the Fear of Disfigurement from Mastectomy Surgery

Lillie D. Shockney, RN, BS, MAS, HON-ONN-CG
Breast reconstruction technologies have come a long way since the 1970s, and mastectomy surgery should no longer be a dreaded procedure for women with breast cancer who are concerned about their physical appearance.