Screening for Second Cancers and Osteoporosis in Long-Term Survivors

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Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this preliminary study was to describe the extent to which healthcare providers recommend the screening strategies for entry detection described by the,American Cancer Society (ACS), For breast, gynecologic, and colorectal cancer, and by the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), for osteoporosis. to a omen who are long-tern survivors of breast, ovarian of endometrial cancer. DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY:A four-part survey was developed for this study, with the first three parts based on th ACS guidelines for breast, gynecologic, and colorectal cancer screening and the NOF guidelines for osteoporosis screening. The fourth part related to personal characteristics, setting, knowledge, and perceptions of the nurses surveyed. A random sample of outpatient nurses nas obtained from the Oncology Nursing Society. Of 668 nurses, 321 (48%) responded (Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) 68.1%; Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse (AOCN) 16.6%). RESULTS: The most consistently performed screenings that were reported were mammogram (range 74.2-87.7%), professional breast examination (range 73.9-83.7%), and Pap test and pelvic examination (range 61.8-85.2%). The least frequently performed screenings are flexible sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy (range 20.2-27.7%), bone mineral density testing (range 16.9-19.0%) and height measurement (range 22.5-28.3%). Less than one third of survivors are offered counseling on strategies to promote bone health. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Knowledge of factors associated with osteoporosis and the use of screening strategies for second malignancies in survivors of breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancers can be used to implement activities such as patient education and clinical practice protocols that will increase the use of current screening recommendations.