The goal of this activity is to improve the knowledge and competence of learners to optimize treatment for patients with COVID.

Patients with mental illness experience cancer disparities, such as increased cancer mortality rates, more advanced cancer at time of diagnosis, and more comorbidities. For the NCCN Guidelines for Distress Management update, the panel separated management recommendations for adjustment disorder, and PTSD and acute stress disorder.

Having good communication and listening skills when talking to patients and caregivers is essential, and yet many early career providers are uncomfortable having these conversations and lack real-world experience. It is important for providers to understand that having these types of conversations, even if the patient is hesitant to have them, is a critical component of treating patients with cancer.

There is currently a dearth of training and education for healthcare students and professionals on both the importance of health-related social needs (HRSN) and the best practices in screening for and intervening to address HRSN. Patients and their caregivers may not understand the impact that health-related social needs could have on treatment and care.

It is important to learn how to recognize and diagnose cancer-related fatigue so that you can incorporate adequate strategies to manage this distressing symptom to improve the patient’s quality of life.

Nurses have a responsibility to understand the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community in order to provide quality, unbiased, and holistic care. Continued professional growth in this area will allow patients to feel safe and to be an active participant in their care.

Hypersensitivity treatment algorithms and standing orders provide the nurse with the opportunity to feel confident in their ability to manage hypersensitivity and enable them to intervene earlier. Early intervention may lead to better outcomes for the patient and the potential for completion of treatments versus changes to the treatment plan.

Sleep, fatigue and cognitive function are important in improving quality of life in cancer survivors. These issues are often not addressed appropriately and further education and awareness can promote increased quality of life in cancer survivors.

In 2022, NCCN conducted a patient advocacy scan with roughly a dozen representatives from the LGBTQ+ community representing patient advocates, researchers, and healthcare providers with expertise in this area. The results of the scan found that patients who are LGBTQ+ are likely to report experiencing bias and discrimination in care which can impact their care outcomes.

Many cancer survivors of all gender identities and sexual orientations experience survivorship challenges, including challenges regarding sexual function. These concerns are often not addressed appropriately, especially in those who identify as sexual and gender minorities. Healthcare providers should be aware of the challenges experienced by all cancer survivors to better assist them in their survivorship journey.