CANCER BUZZ

While the identification of actionable biomarkers is fueling huge advancements in precision medicine and targeted therapies for the management of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), access to these tests and associated therapies are not consistent throughout the healthcare system and have the potential to worsen existing health disparities. Hear from two authors of an ACCC/LUNGevity Foundation stu...

Caring for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) depends on many factors and can vary as much as the patients themselves. As such, shared decision-making—those collaborative conversations between patient and physician that guide the treatment trajectory—are critical to align goals and help determine what's best for each patient. Due to the challenges COVID-19 presents for immune-compromised i...

On this episode, we'll hear what genetic counselors wish providers would say to their patients. We'll uncover a few common barriers to genetic counseling and testing for patients with cancer and—from the genetic counselor's perspective—how providers can help improve the uptake of testing delivered via telehealth to educate, inform, and improve patient care. Genetic counselors—as members of the can...

One serious, unwanted side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic is the potential for "substantial" consequences for cancer outcomes due to delayed access to cancer diagnosis and treatment. Hear from the author of a study that detected a substantial decrease (among American seniors) in cancer screenings, visits, therapy, and surgeries. The study concluded that—if left unaddressed—these decreases and del...

At Stanford Health Care, an experienced licensed clinical social worker with oncology certification has developed a full-time behavioral health role within the organization's large radiation oncology department, including leading the self-care segment for the department's internal podcast.   By creating this staff podcast, Stanford Health Care's Radiation Oncology Department came up with a way to...

Financial advocacy is a complex field of work that requires advocates keep up with the evolving healthcare landscape of payer policies, cancer treatment options, available financial assistance, and more. To support new—and experienced—staff who preform financial advocacy services, the ACCC Financial Advocacy Network created the "Ready, Set, Go! Financial Advocacy Playbook." In this episode, we dis...

In this special podcast episode, we talk with oncology social worker and ACCC President Krista Nelson, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, FAOSW, about the overwhelming grief of the pandemic and its toll on cancer care professionals. She reflects on how healthcare professionals are coping with fear and processing grief, and the signs of grief that people should look for in themselves. Krista shares the importance o...

During the summer months of 2021, community transmission rates of COVID-19 have again surged across the U.S. People with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and other blood cancers, who are immunocompromised, face added risk from COVID-19 and need more information on vaccine and booster shot efficacy. In this episode, Gwen Nichols, MD, Chief Medical Officer, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), e...

While most cancer programs in the United States report that they employ advanced practitioners (APs), they are often not utilized to the full scope of their abilities in clinical research. In this episode, Beth Faiman, PhD, MSN, APRN-BC, AOCN, FAAN, shares the evolution of the advanced practitioner role at her institution, where APs have a larger voice in the research process and clinical trial pr...

A physician and administrator champion at Cone Health Cancer Center talk about why it's more important than ever to make transportation assistance available to patients with cancer and how these services help improve health outcomes and the patient experience. Hear how an awareness of social determinants of health can improve health equity and reduce disparities, and how to make the business case...

As pandemic restrictions begin to loosen in many communities across the country, patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) face greater uncertainty in this "new normal" due to their increased risk for contracting COVID-19 and a lower response rate to the vaccine.   On this episode, three clinicians discuss their experiences with difficult conversations on the relative risks and benefits aro...

On this CANCER BUZZ podcast, we focus on the mental and emotional toll the pandemic continues to have on cancer care professionals who acknowledge that we're not on the other side of the pandemic—while much of the public experiences a "summer of joy" due to rising vaccination rates. This week's guest is Krista Nelson, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, FAOSW, oncology social worker and ACCC President. She explains...

In this episode, we'll explore how oncology advanced practitioners (APs) can play a greater role in clinical research and, according to a recent national study, have a strong interest in doing so. Hear how APs can leverage their deep role in the day-to-day cancer care decisions to improve diversity in clinical trials by bringing their experience to trial design and the accrual process. Guest: Chri...

To get paid for oncology services rendered, correct coding and billing are essential. For oncology leaders, this means paying attention to the big picture, as well as keeping up with ongoing policy and regulatory changes. In this episode, Teri Bedard covers current Medicare supervisory oversight requirements, why site of service matters, and where to go for "need to know" oncology coding and billi...

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected treatment planning and shared decision-making for individuals with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. In this episode, we'll discuss how patient education has become even more critical as the pandemic recedes and restrictions loosen.  Hear specific tactics to help patients better retain and ensure understanding of what is communicated during their education appointmen...

The COVID-19 pandemic propelled rapid uptake of telehealth across healthcare. In this episode, we talk with an experienced cancer center information technology (IT) professional about how the role of the IT professional in quality, patient-centered cancer care delivery and what lies ahead.  Guest: Brian Dunn Unified Communications Engineer for Tele-Oncology UVA Health, Karen S. Rheuban Center for...

Increasing diversity and equity in clinical trials will require buy-in and commitment from all stakeholders in the research enterprise. In this episode, Colleen Lewis, MSN, ANP-BC, AOCNP, talks about the critical role oncology advanced practitioners can play in moving the needle on equity and inclusion in cancer clinical trials.   In spring 2021, ACCC and Harborside hosted a Virtual Summit to Defi...

As COVID-19 vaccinations increase, mask mandates recede, and pandemic-related restrictions ease, multiple myeloma care teams and patients are moving through transitioning environments—in the clinic, at home, and in their community. In this episode, insights from specialists in multiple myeloma care point to resources and tools that may help providers and patients move smoothly through this time of...

On this inaugural episode of CANCER BUZZ TV, we sat down with ACCC President Krista Nelson, an oncology social worker at Providence Cancer Institute, where she shared how her personal experiences during the pandemic—and those of her colleagues and patients—deeply impacted her and influenced the development of her 2021-2022 ACCC President's Theme, 'Real-World Lessons from COVID-19: Driving Oncology...

When COVID-19 started to spread across the country, Montefiore Health System in the Bronx, New York, was at the epicenter, with more than 4,000 simultaneously hospitalized patients at one point. On this episode of CANCER BUZZ, we'll delve into the dramatic changes in care delivery this medical center underwent during the pandemic, lessons learned along the way that will help pave their way forward...

On this episode of the CANCER BUZZ podcast, we'll explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the financial health of cancer programs and practices across the country, from lower patient volume and screening interventions and decreased revenue streams. Guest : Douglas B. Flora, MD, LSSBB, Executive Medical Director, Oncology Services, St. Elizabeth Healthcare , Independence, Kentucky Related Co...

This episode of CANCER BUZZ explores challenges related to COVID-19 vaccination in patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and as pandemic restrictions are lifted, considerations for keeping these patients as safe as possible.  Guest: Christopher D'Andrea, PA-C, Physician Assistant, Cleveland Clinic, Taussig Cancer Center Webinars Learning from COVID-19: Coping Strategies for CLL Provider...

Long lagging in acceptance from providers, patients, and payers, telehealth has undergone a renaissance in use due tothe COVID-19 pandemic, enabling millions of peopleto receive care remotely for the first time. Patient advocates who had lobbied for the reimbursement of remote care for years saw a drastic reversal of policies, with public and private payers suspending their rules which had previou...

Five years ago, the FDA approved the first liquid biopsy test for use in patients with cancer, providing cancer teams and patients a less invasive and more efficient way to detect disease. But liquid biopsies aren't cheap, and reimbursement for them can be unpredictable and confusing. On this episode of CANCER BUZZ , learn about the current clinical applications of liquid biopsies, associated reim...

Spiritual care teams can play a significant role in helping patients with cancer manage their fear and find a sense of peace. On this mini-podcast, learn why spiritual care is essential to comprehensive, high-quality cancer care, and discover how the administration of spiritual services has changed during  the COVID-19 pandemic. Guest: Rev. Lori A. McKinley, MDiv, BCC, Chaplain; Director of Missio...