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Why you should read this article: • To learn about cases of surgical malpractice such as that of Ian Paterson, and the relevant systemic issues that led to failings in patient safety • To recognise nurses' responsibilities in raising concerns about suboptimal practice • To identify strategies that could enhance patient safety and which could be implemented in your healthcare organisation While rare, incidents of inappropriate and/or unnecessary surgery do occur, so effective surveillance of surgical practice is required to ensure patient safety. This article explores the case of Ian Paterson, a consultant surgeon who was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2017 for wounding with intent and unlawful wounding, primarily by undertaking inappropriate or unnecessary mastectomies. The article details the main points of the Paterson case, with reference to the subsequent government-commissioned inquiry and its recommendations. It also outlines various strategies for enhancing patient safety, including applying human factors theory, improving auditing, and rationalising NHS and private healthcare. The author concludes that nurses have a crucial role in the surveillance of surgical practice and that combined reporting of surgeons' practice across NHS and private healthcare organisations is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem/Condition: Genetic testing for breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer 2 (BRCA2) gene mutations can identify women at increased risk for breast and ovarian cancer. These testing results can be used to select preventive interventions and guide treatment. Differences between nonmetropolitan and metropolitan populations in rates of BRCA testing and receipt of preventive interventions after testing have not previously been examined. Period Covered: 2009-2014. Description of System: Medical claims data from Truven Health Analytics MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters databases were used to estimate rates of BRCA testing and receipt of preventive interventions after BRCA testing among women aged 18-64 years with employer-sponsored health insurance in metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas of the United States, both nationally and regionally. Results: From 2009 to 2014, BRCA testing rates per 100,000 women aged 18-64 years with employer-sponsored health insurance increased 2.3 times (102.7 to 237.8) in metropolitan areas and 3.0 times (64.8 to 191.3) in nonmetropolitan areas. The relative difference in BRCA testing rates between metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas decreased from 37% in 2009 (102.7 versus 64.8) to 20% in 2014 (237.8 versus 191.3). The relative difference in BRCA testing rates between metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas decreased more over time in younger women than in older women and decreased in all regions except the West. Receipt of preventive services 90 days after BRCA testing in metropolitan versus nonmetropolitan areas throughout the period varied by service: the percentage of women who received a mastectomy was similar, the percentage of women who received magnetic resonance imaging of the breast was lower in nonmetropolitan areas (as low as 5.8% in 2014 to as high as 8.2% in 2011) than metropolitan areas (as low as 7.3% in 2014 to as high as 10.3% in 2011), and the percentage of women who received mammography was lower in nonmetropolitan areas in earlier years but was similar in later years. Interpretation: Possible explanations for the 47% decrease in the relative difference in BRCA testing rates over the study period include increased access to genetic services in nonmetropolitan areas and increased demand nationally as a result of publicity. The relative differences in metropolitan and nonmetropolitan BRCA testing rates were smaller among women at younger ages compared with older ages. Public Health Action: Improved data sources and surveillance tools are needed to gather comprehensive data on BRCA testing in the United States, monitor adherence to evidence-based guidelines for BRCA testing, and assess receipt of preventive interventions for women with BRCA mutations. Programs can build on the recent decrease in geographic disparities in receipt of BRCA testing while simultaneously educating the public and health care providers about U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations and other clinical guidelines for BRCA testing and counseling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents an overview of surveillance data on cancer incidence and mortality in the U.S. during the 2009-13 period. Particular focus is given to the objectives of the Healthy People 2020. Also mentioned are annual incidence rate of invasive cancers, common cancer sites, incidence rate among blacks, and time trends in cancer death rates.

People with learning disabilities have poorer health than their non-disabled peers, and are less likely to access screening services than the general population. The National Development Team for Inclusion and the Norah Fry Research Centre developed a toolkit and guidance to improve uptake of five national (English) screening programmes (one of which is delivered through local programmes), based on work to improve access by people with learning disabilities in the south west peninsula of the UK. This article describes the findings in relation to the five English screening programmes and suggests ways to improve uptake of cancer screening by people with learning disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores the novel method of extracting calibration waveform for breast cancer detection to remove any negative effects upon by the tumor-free model. It mentions the use of ultrawideband (UWB) technology which provides microwave imaging needed to detect small malignant tumors. It also provides the results of a Gaussian monocycle pulse (GMP) emitter cycles.

This section provides news briefs on the information services industry as of December 2010. Serials Solutions has enhanced its 360 services suite for discovery. ISYS Search Software plans to update its text extraction, printing and viewing platform. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) plans to introduce its IEEE eLearning Library.

Aim To compare patient experiences of the breast cancer nursing service before a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) was established in post and then one year after her appointment. Method A questionnaire was handed out to 50 patients over a six-week period in May 2007 (pre-CNS survey) and one year later (post-CNS survey) to 32 of the original patients. Analysis was performed on the numerical data using Microsoft Excel. Content analysis was used to extract information from the free text. Findings The evaluation showed that the CNS improved respondents' experience and satisfaction with the breast cancer service. The pre-CNS survey highlighted that respondents wanted the CNS to be available after their consultation with the doctor to further explain information, and between clinic appointments to provide advice. Respondents also wanted the CNS to be a point of contact, to have specialist knowledge and to offer advice and support. The second survey showed that the CNS had improved the patient experience, and respondents were more satisfied with the service provided. Conclusion This service evaluation supports the value of the CNS in improving patient experiences and developing services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A team of nurses has transformed breast cancer follow-up across Northern Ireland by creating a person-centred model that has improved the quality of patients' aftercare experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses studies published in nursing and scientific journals as of August 30, 2017. These include the research on the effectiveness of allergy medicine in treating deep vein thrombosis in "Circulation Research," the study on the link between maternal childhood trauma and offspring childhood psychopathology in "The British Journal of Psychiatry," and the trial on targeted radiotherapy for breast cancer in "The Lancet."

The article discusses several studies from nursing and scientific journals. Topics covered include the benefit of stricter air pollution levels in improving mortality rate, the lack of knowledge about cervical screening programme among women and the association between higher intelligence in childhood and lower lifetime risk of major causes of death.

This section presents several health-related studies published in various journals. Topics discussed include the link between antipsychotic drug use and mortality of individuals with Alzheimer's disease, breast cancer mortality and recurrence rates among socially isolated breast cancer patients, and the impact of heavy alcohol consumption on brain development of adolescents.

The article offers an overview of studies from nursing and scientific journals as of November 2016. Topics covered include the association between significant weight gain and increased cancer risk in adults, the possibility that loneliness could serve as a predictor for Alzheimer's disease, and the higher likelihood among women with non-lump symptoms to delay consulting their doctor for breast cancer screening compared with those who have lump.

The article looks at the study "Neutrophil to lymphocyte ration (NLR) for prediction of distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) in early breast cancer: a propensity score-matched analysis" published in the "European Society for Medical Oncology Open Access Oncology Journal."

The article discusses the findings of a study which found that breast cancer survivors have a higher risk of developing therapy-related leukemia.

The article mentions 2018 research which shows that breast cancer gene (BRCA) mutations do not impact breast cancer survival rate.

The article discusses a 2015 study by R. Harding et al and published in the "Journal of Advanced Nursing" that explored the link between patient-nurse relationship in breast cancer and adult attachment style.

Saroj Sethi recalls with anguish the story of an Asian woman whose breast cancer diagnosis had ramifications throughout her family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the article "Evaluating health and well-being interventions for patients with secondary breast cancer" by C. Gaskell and colleagues which appeared in the "Cancer Nursing Practice" journal.

The article focuses on the Early Breast Cancer Trialists' Collaborative Group's warning that women who have had breast cancer and stop endocrine therapy after five years may be at risk of it returning up to 20 years after their original diagnosis.

The article presents numbers related to breast cancer care in England including the percentage of women who found completing their treatment was harder than having a breast removed, and rate of those who had struggled with anxiety and depression.

The article focuses on a study that will be led by nurse researcher Deborah Fenlon to investigate the best way to deliver cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to reduce the major side effects for women undergoing breast cancer treatment.

The article reports on a British study which found that use of the chemotherapy drug capecitabine for breast cancer results in fewer side effects than the usually prescribed cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and fluorouracil (CMF) combination.

The article focuses on a research which found that the protein lysyl oxidase (LOX) plays an important role in breast cancer growth and spread.

The article discusses research which was reported in the article "The Use of Adjuvant Radiotherapy in Elderly Patients With Early-Stage Breast Cancer: Changes in Practice Patterns After Publication of Cancer and Leukemia Group B 9343" by M. Palta et al., which appeared in a 2014 issue of "Cancer" and found that medical practitioners may struggle to change treatments for breast cancer after the publication of research trial data.

Women who survive breast cancer can be left with sexual difficulties, writes Jennifer Trueland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the article "Racial Disparities in Functional Disability Among Older Women With Newly Diagnosed Nonmetastatic Breast Cancer" by C. Owusu et al. in the journal "Cancer" which found that older women with breast cancer, and particularly African American women, have problems accomplishing daily tasks.

The article discusses research which was reported in the article "Persistent Pain and Sensory Disturbances After Treatment for Breast Cancer: Six Year Nationwide Follow-Up Study" by M. Mejdahl et al., was published in the "British Medical Journal" and found that breast cancer survivors may have persistent pain for five to seven years after treatment.

Patients admitted to the oncology ward with breast cancer are in various stages of the disease. Some will receive their first dose of chemotherapy whereas others may need emergency treatment for febrile neutropaenia or other side effects of chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A preview of articles related to nursing published in various journals in 2016 is presented including "Witnessing Violence: What Are the Experiences of Mental Health Nurse?" by D. Jeffery and P. Fuller in "Mental Health Practice," "Understanding the Endocrinopathies Associated With the Treatment of Childhood Cancer: Part One," by T. Urquhart and J. Collin, and "A Short Mnemonic to Support the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment Model," by B. Han and C. Grant in "Emergency Nurse."

The author describes how breast cancer nurse Caroline Mercer supported her through every aspect of her journey since her cancer diagnosis. She tells about Mercer's honesty, being supportive and open to feedback, as well as her advice about supportive bras, exercise and resuming sex. She expresses appreciation to Mercer for putting together individually tailored survivor packages and for her generosity and being patient-centered.

The article reports on the need to increase secondary breast cancer nurses in England, according to clinical nurse specialist Jane Murphy.

The article reports developments in the treatment of breast cancer, particularly in Great Britain, as of mid-August 2016. Also cited are the data from charity Breast Cancer Care on the number of new breast cancer cases in the country annually, the publication by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) of an updated quality standard on breast cancer, and the factors that increase the risk of breast cancer like obesity, drinking alcohol, and smoking.

A calendar of events of interest of nurses in Great Britain is presented which includes Sexual Health Network Evening Seminar in Belfast, Northern Irelan on June 23, 2016 and the School of Nurses Conference and Exhibition 2016 in London, England on August 25, 2016.

The article looks at the carbon dioxide emissions of single dose intraoperative radiotherapy (TARGIT) used on breast cancer patients, based on a published study in the journal "The BMJ."

A clinical nurse specialist in breast care was brought in to advise the BBC on the portrayal of EastEnders' Peggy Mitchell's battle with breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research on breast cancer side effects after surgery and partial breast radiotherapy, referencing a paper presented by lead study author Charlotte Coles at the Official 10th European Breast Cancer Conference held in Amsterdam, The Netherlands on March 9, 2016.

An abstract of the research article "Lymphocyte Depletion and Repopulation after Chemotherapy for Primary Breast Cancer," by V. Rashmi et. al which appeared in the journal "Breast Cancer Research" is presented.

A breast cancer nurse has taken on a role as adviser for a Hollywood film that has just been released in the UK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Now cancer free, 56-year-old Beatrice Ferguson is feeling confident about her future and making some big changes in her life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the development of a blood test capable of predicting breast cancer relapse months before tumours show on hospital scans by researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research, a public research institute, and The Royal Marsden National Health Service Foundation Trust in England.

The article offers information on breast cancer. Topics include nationwide campaign for the awareness on symptoms of breast cancer as launched by agency Public Health England (PHE), causes and risk factors of the disease, and its signs and symptoms such as changes to the breast skin and nipple discharge.

The author discusses her concerns regarding breast cancer including other symptoms of the disease, awareness, and the risks of developing disease in women.

Many people consider that breast cancer has a lot of attention and assume the level of public awareness about the disease is very high. But a recent YouGov survey carried out for Breast Cancer Care found that 5% of women diagnosed had waited more than six months to report finding a symptom to their GP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the author's views on the research conducted by the universities of Southampton and Oxford according to which patients having family history of breast or ovarian cancer are not at higher risks to recurrence of the disease.

The article reports that nurse Elizabeth Dawes is pursuing legal action after undergoing breast cancer surgery only to find out four days later that there had been a mix-up of medical reports and she had never had the disease.

The article offers the author's experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer while in a nurse training. The author mentions that she stepped out of the course due to a feeling that she would not have the strength to support the patients which she would be caring of, however, she decided to comeback to the course few months after felling better. She states that her experience, particularly as a cancer patient, enable her to understand the importance of patient-centred care.

Nurses need to discuss the available options with women at diagnosis, says Grete Breuton-Smith. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the survey of population-based cohort of women in California with stage 1-3 breast cancers that was published in "Cancer" which found that the patients lack knowledge about their cancer.

Breast cancer services should be redesigned to allow nurses to spend more time with patients who are terminally ill, says nurse and research fellow Gill Donovan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research which was reported in the article "Racial Differences in Physical Activity Among Breast Cancer Survivors" by B. Hair et al., which appeared in a 2014 issue of "Cancer" and found that most breast cancer survivors do do exercise enough and that African American survivors are more likely to be sedentary, despite the fact that exercise can aid in their disease recovery.