Dear Radiation Oncology Insider,
Talk to any cancer patient about his or her treatment experience, and I'm willing to bet that quality of care is at the top of the list. A diagnosis of cancer is terrifying. Feeling confident that the quality of care is the best that it can be helps, no matter what the prognosis.
For a family, a diagnosis of cancer has a profound impact upon the life and emotional wellbeing of not only the patient, but also friends and family. The unknown specter of cancer affects children, even those who are very young. What can help them deal with emotional distress, profound fear, and anger? Acting out with toys -- realistic models of modalities, dolls, and other medical equipment, it turns out.
Read about the vision of the Gathering Place, a cancer support center for families serving the greater Cleveland community, and the dedication of a master craftsman whose skills and creativity have helped so many terrified children cope. This edition's Insider Exclusive describes a program you may wish to emulate at your own cancer center -- to supplement the advanced treatment clinical care you provide.
Communicating with all physicians involved in patient care helps too, but how can this be done efficiently and effectively? Senior editor Erik L. Ridley investigates the use of an innovative radiation oncology telemedicine system. Could this be the 21st century version of telemedicine, integrating videoconferencing with treatment planning systems and radiology PACS? Click here to learn more.
Quality of patient care doesn't end with completion of treatment. Survivors and their referring physicians need to be made aware of the importance of lifelong diligence, and two articles in this edition emphasize this need.
Because of radiation therapy, Hodgkin's lymphoma survivors may be more susceptible to cardiac-related deaths. Lipid screening can reduce this risk, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers report. Prostate cancer patients face a very small risk of second cancer but need to be alerted to this possibility. The advice of University of Miami researchers is well worth sharing with your patients.
Sharing of experiences in five action-packed days is what the American Society of Radiation Oncology's annual meeting is all about, and AuntMinnie.com will be in attendance. Please send me an e-mail about sessions you feel are particularly noteworthy for your Radiation Oncology Digital Community. Your input is welcomed.
See you in Chicago!
