Describes the roles of the counselor as a team member in working with cancer patients. Those roles vary from encouraging good health habits on the prevention and detection end of the continuum to active involvement with behavioral interventions during medical treatment on the opposite end of the continuum. (BL)

Assessed effects of video games on adverse corollaries of chemotherapy in three pediatric oncology patients. Results indicated that access to video games resulted in reduction in the number of anticipatory symptoms experienced and observed, as well as a diminution in the aversiveness of chemotherapy side effects. (Author/NRB)

This article describes an annual program, for teachers and nurses of elementary school cancer patients, that: (1) facilitates understanding of the educational and social needs of such students; (2) provides updated information about childhood malignancy; and (3) addresses the concerns of teachers and nurses. (Author/CJB)

Results indicate cancer patients depend strongly on perceived strength of religious beliefs and values in coping with imminent death. Low fear of death was associated with previous experience with a dying person. Death anxiety scale score for cancer patients was significantly lower than for other populations. (Author/BEF)

Discusses a two-phase qualitative study on parents' experiences of psychosocial needs arising from having a child with cancer over four to eight months in Singapore. Findings showed subjective burden consistently higher at both the initial stage of treatment phase and after discharge from hospital. Implications for psychosocial support for parents…

Self-directed learning experiences of 13 women with breast cancer were explored. Learning motivations included overcoming fear, needing to understand, and being able to make informed choices. They used print, Internet, networks, and support groups. They had difficulties locating resources and dealing with emotions. Learning outcomes included…

Describes easy-to-implement strategies parents can use to ensure their children's safety in the sun and avoid skin cancer, which is the most prevalent form of cancer in United States. Suggestions include: limit the amount of time spent in the sun, wear protective clothing, use sunscreening agents, and have knowledge of skin cancer and its…

Interviewed 100 terminally ill cancer patients to examine farewells made before the interview and those desired and planned but not yet completed. Most patients (81 percent) desired to farewell; most wanted farewell to occur late in course of their dying. Prominent in preferred styles of farewells were the gift, conversation, and letter.…

Describes the camping experience at Camp Rainbow (Arkansas), specifically designed for children with cancer and their siblings. Discusses the emotional impact of childhood cancer on patients, parents, and siblings, and suggests positive outcomes of camp participation. Includes eight references. (SV)

This is an update of a 1991 review on tumor suppressor genes written at a time when understanding of how the genes work was limited. A recent major breakthrough in the understanding of the function of tumor suppressor genes is discussed. (LZ)

Notes that, in survey of 50 cancer patients offered living wills, 6 individuals declined to sign advance directives. Contains detailed evaluation of each of six cases. Discusses potential value of living wills in context of other, newer forms of advance directives, such as durable power of attorney for health care, and more detailed living will…

Surveyed 223 breast cancer survivors 16 months to 32 years from original surgery to assess their current physical, psychological, and social functional status. Although general measures of functioning indicated high physical, psychological, and social functional status, measures specific to breast cancer diagnosis and treatment indicated problems…

An intensive intervention group (n=247) of 9-11 year olds were exposed to SKIN SAFE, a curriculum about sun protection. A standard group (n=180) received a lecture about skin cancer; control group numbered 185. The intensive group were significantly more likely to use high levels of protection; no differences were apparent between the standard and…

Compared 272 spouse caregivers of dementia sufferers with 30 spouse caregivers of cancer victims on multiple indicators of well-being. Found that dementia caregivers were more adversely affected by their role than cancer caregivers. Illness duration and caregivers' employment status did not help to explain this difference. Younger spouse…

Presents, side by side, sections of the first author's (a psychotherapist) journal writing during and after her treatment for cancer, and the second author's (a medical doctor) "commentary" thoughts about her words and what they say about the subjective experience of life-challenging illness. Presents this as one way to humanize the encounter…