Social Isolation Among Individuals With Cancer.

The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified the social isolation of individuals with cancer. Studies about how to address social isolation among patients with cancer are limited, yet data from other high-risk populations can inform.

Stories of breast cancer through art.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To describe the use of an art exhibit, created in response to breast cancer survivor stories, and additional supplementary activities to increase cancer awareness and provide support to those with cancer. DATA SOURCES: Published articles and books, personal experiences. DATA SYNTHESIS: Art has been used to educate and promote the expression of emotions. Using an art exhibit as the central feature, a planning committee composed of staff members and volunteers developed a repertoire of activities to improve cancer awareness and provide support to cancer survivors. Visitor and staff reactions to the event were profound. CONCLUSIONS: Art can capture the most intimate and personal aspects of the cancer experience. This event was a novel and effective way to increase awareness about the cancer experience. The event brought together patients, family members, friends, staff members, and the community and facilitated new partnerships to help people with cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Nurses are well equipped to direct the therapeutic use of art and support the potential reactions of viewers. Nurses can promote the benefit of art exhibits for cancer education, support, and awareness and use their knowledge and skills in planning and implementing supplementary activities.

Twin quilts--stories to be told.

A perusal of the literature reveals the many ways quilt design and personal communication is interwoven. We selected quilt making to provide those affected by breast cancer-as a patient, friend or relative-the opportunity to communicate their experience through quilt making. With the participation of community quilters, a concept and quilt design was developed to incorporate the work of patients and others in making a quilt. The project pattern and materials were presented. Contributors were invited to write about what inspired them to participate. For the 80 blocks that were constructed as twin quilts, 36 individuals wrote something about their block. Analysis of the vignettes identified major categories. The most common theme was honoring a specific person's life and their breast cancer journey. Displayed together with their accompanying vignettes, the quilts have become a focal point for interaction among patients and their families.