Aims To explore genitourinary cancer nurses’ perceptions of scan-associated anxiety (‘scanxiety’) and tumour marker-related anxiety in people with cancer.

Methods A purpose-designed cross-sectional survey used Likert scales to assess perceived prevalence, severity and contributing factors for scanxiety and tumour marker-related anxiety, and nurses’ comfort discussing scan procedures and results. An open-ended question asked how scanxiety could be improved.

Results The response rate was 49% (34/70). Most participants believed scanxiety occurred ‘quite’ (41%) or ‘very’ often (35%). All perceived scanxiety severity to be at least ‘moderate’. Waiting for results was the leading contributing factor to scanxiety. Recommendations to minimise scanxiety included: reducing waiting times; patient education; improved communication; and practical and psychological support. Participants perceived tumour marker-related anxiety occurred ‘quite a bit’ (35%) or ‘very much’ (59%) and 50% thought it was ‘severe’.

Conclusion Cancer nurses commonly see people with cancer who experience test anxiety and have valuable insight into anxiety-reducing strategies.

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a highly prevalent pre-cancerous condition. Multiple factors affect patient outcomes, and over-treatment of DCIS is an international concern. This study aimed to examine information provision and sufficiency of existing resources to meet the needs of women with DCIS. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) on the Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) national database were surveyed. Quantitative data was analysed with descriptive statistics and Chi-squared tests. In total, 132 HCPs participated. Most (55%) indicated that breast care nurses were primarily responsible for providing DCIS-related information. Cancer Australia’s DCIS booklet (61.5%) was most commonly used. Most respondents were aware of the My journey kit but only half gave it to their patients. Of those that used it, 36.4% described it as suboptimal, but the best currently available. A new DCIS-specific resource is needed to ensure provision of relevant information to facilitate shared treatment decision-making.

Purpose This study explored the range of symptoms and supportive care provided by the multidisciplinary team in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CRT).

Methodology A retrospective chart review of two electronic medical records was conducted over an 18-month period.

Results A total of 26 patients met criteria; 17 reported symptoms entered against the variable values of the CTCAE v5. Common symptoms included xerostomia (grade 1/2), altered taste (grades 1/2), mucositis (grades 1/3), thick saliva (grades 1/2), and skin reactions (grade 2/3). Hospital admission was required for 80.8% of patients, 69.3% required a feeding tube, 100% of patients required oral supplements, and 61.6% needed intravenous (IV) hydration. Treatments breaks were limited to two patients.

Conclusion This study highlights the complex symptom experience of patients treated with CRT for HNC and their need for supportive care, highlighting the contribution from all members of the multidisciplinary team.