The Oncologist's Perspective

How do oncologists deal with the emotional issues they themselves encounter while caring for patients? How do they talk with their patients and families about cancer survivorship issues, hospice care and symptom control, and end-of-life planning? These questions are addressed honestly and compassionately in a section titled, "The Art of Oncology: When the Tumor is Not the Target," published in the American Society of Clinical Oncology's Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO). This section, intended as a way for physicians to talk to other physicians and oncology professionals about a variety of issues, includes articles that may be of benefit for patients and families. Read the latest article.

Art of Oncology Anthology

In May 2003, a collection of articles was published as a supplement to the JCO. This anthology featured four sections: Survivorship Issues, Emotions of Oncologists, Symptom Control in Patients with Advanced Cancer, and End-of-Life Issues.

Each section below includes an overview and article titles to help guide patients and families in deciding which articles might be of interest to them (click on the titles to read articles). We welcome your thoughts on this section. Please send comments to contactus@cancer.net.

Survivorship Issues: This section includes articles devoted to such issues as maintaining quality of life after cancer treatment, returning to a normal routine while facing fatigue, and following the recommended schedule for post-treatment screenings and tests.

Emotions of Oncologists: Taking care of patients with life-threatening illnesses can become emotionally charged experiences for oncologists and other health-care professionals. These articles discuss the emotions of oncologists, including some of the challenges and lessons learned.

Symptom Control in Patients With Advanced Cancer: Patients with advanced cancer have multiple physical and emotional symptoms related to their disease. Pieces in this section deal with ways to attempt to control such symptoms, including appetite loss, dehydration, and pain.

End-of-Life Issues: This section addresses how different groups—oncologists, patients, and caregivers—think about end-of-life care issues, and discusses an oncologist's responsibility and perspective when it comes to difficult subjects, such as advanced cancer, hospice, do not resuscitate (DNR) orders, cytotoxic therapy, supportive care, maintaining a patient's dignity, and imminent death.