Volume 4, Issue 3 October 2016

A P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E D U Q U E S N E U N I V E R S I T Y
S T U D E N T N U R S E S ’ A S S O C I A T I O N

The SCOPE Lights Up Cancer

WE PICKED THE BRAIN OF AN WHAT ELSE IS THERE?

ONCOLOGY NURSE WE LOOK INTO ALTERNATIVE
TREATMENTS.
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PAGE 6 1
 Who We Are

We are members of the Duquesne University Student Nurses Associa-

tion. All views expressed are our own and do not represent the views
of Duquesne University or Duquesne University School of Nursing.

We are members of the BSN Programs at Duquesne University. We

love health! We love patients! We love to write!

The Scope is the proud recipient of the 2013 and 2014 Student Nurses
Association of Pennsylvania Excellent Newsletter Award.

We would love to hear your thoughts on our newsletter! Please email

all letters to the editors to Emily Churchill and Morgan Gruender, at
churchille@duq.edu. All letters to the editor must include name, con-
tact info, and major.

Like us on Facebook and check out our blog at

DuquesneScope.wordpress.com

2
Image from clker.com
 Table of Contents

Breast Cancer Page 4

Hayley let s us know why we think pink in October

An Interview with an Oncology Nurse Page 5

Kaitlin asks the questions we want the answers to

What are the Alternatives? Page 6

Cathleen lets us know the options

Don’t Forget the Men Page 7

Holly reminds us not to forget about the men who battle breast cancer

Will it Come Back? Page 8

Emily looks into the reoccurrence of breast and other gynecological cancers

Legislative Update Page 9

Holly gives us the update

Healthy Recipe/News/ NCLEX Nook Page 11

Nursing Horoscope Page 12

3
 Think Pink
Hayley Bergell, Senior
October 1st marked the beginning of National Breast Cancer Awareness
month (BCAM). This is an annual international campaign to increase aware-
ness and raise funds for research of the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and
cure for breast cancer. Walks, runs, and other fundraisers are organized all
over the country. We see the pink ribbon and pink clothing as symbols for
support of those women who are fighting breast cancer, or those that sur-
vived, and in honor of those who sadly lost their battle.

Breast cancer happens when cells in the breast begin to grow uncontrollably
and form a tumor. Most breast cancers begin in the ducts that carry milk to
the nipple. What most people don’t know is that most breast lumps are not
cancerous, even though they are abnormal growths. It is important to get a
lump checked by your doctor however, because some lumps can increase the
risk of developing breast cancer. It is estimated that 40,890 people (40,450
women and 440 men) will die from breast cancer this year alone, so it is important to recognize the risk
factors and signs/symptoms of breast cancer.
Risk factors for cancer are mainly things you cannot change like being a woman, getting older,
and having certain genes (BRCA 1 and BRCA 2). Having these risk factors however does not mean that
you will get breast cancer. Having a family history of breast cancer increases your risk but what most
people don’t know is that 8/10 women who get breast cancer do not have a family history.

Breast cancer can be detected early by getting a mammogram. The earlier the cancer is found,
the more likely treatment will work. It is important to get mammograms because early detection tests
save thousands of lives every year. Mammograms help detect cancer before you even feel a lump, but
you can do a breast-self exam to check for a lump. Usually your gynecologist will teach you how to per-
form this exam and it is important to do at least one a month. This exam can help you be familiar with
how your breasts look and feel so you can talk to your doctor when you notice even the slightest
change.
Surgery (lumpectomy, partial mastectomy, mastectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and
targeted therapy are all treatments used for breast cancer. However, surgery is most common depend-
ing on the type and severity of the cancer. Breast cancer treatment may remove or destroy the cancer,
but for some women it never goes away completely. Women are encouraged to talk with their doctor
about which option is right for them.
So, how can we make a difference as nursing students? We can start by talking to women about
the importance of getting screened for breast cancer, encourage them to start getting mammograms at
age 40, and organize events in our communities informing women about the importance of getting a
mammogram done every two years. We can spread the word about the proper ways to detect breast
cancer early so that these women have better treatment outcomes, and hopefully help to find a cure!

Article Credits: http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam, http://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/breast-cancer/ Photo Credits: google images

treatment-options, http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/
 From an Oncology Nurse
Kaitlin Andres, Sophomore
Ensign Lauren Andres recently commissioned as a naval nurse officer and passed her
NCLEX board this past summer. She has been assigned to Naval Medical Center Ports-
mouth in Portsmouth, Virginia where she was put to work in an oncology unit.

How different is it actually working in a hospital compared to how you would work
during clinicals?

People trust you more as a licensed nurse. When I introduced myself as a nursing stu-
dent, the other nurses would be hesitant to let me do things since I’m working under
their license. They also take you a lot more seriously as an RN. It is also a lot scarier
though because you worked for four years to get your license. Your first priority is your
patient and then the second is keeping your license safe.

What made you want to get assigned to an oncology unit and how did you work to
get there?

For me, I kind of already knew that I wanted to work with that population of people. I’ve dealt with a lot of people
with cancer throughout my life. It felt like I was meant to do it. At a clinical standpoint, you get to work with every
system and every type of care. You also get to work with your patients at a very personal level. These people trust
you with such an important part of their life. You feel called to do it. In order to get there, it was kind of based on
the needs of the Navy, but beforehand, I requested to do rotations through all the oncology units during my naval
training. When I first came to Portsmouth, I requested to go to certain floors for my residency program so I picked
floors that was related to my interests.

Compared to the other floors you’ve worked on, how is being on an oncology unit different?

I’ve work on post-surgical, cardiac, ICU, ER, OR, general med surg, and a lot more. On my floor, the littlest things
we take very seriously. For example, just a slightly elevated temperature can be a red flag. There’s chemo on the
floor so the way things are distributed is a little different. Things can go south very quick especially with those who
are very immunosuppressant.

Being on a floor like oncology can be quite sad. How do you deal with treating and seeing cancer patients all the
time?

The most important part is not to bottle it up. People express grief differently, but it’s important to not keep things
in. It means a lot to the patient’s family to see if you’re as much upset as they are. It’s comforting that there are
other nurses who have gone through the same thing and they can become a support system for you too.

What advice would you give to nursing students who also aspire to work on oncology units?

I would make sure it’s something you actually want to do. Some people start working on the floor and it turns out
to be too much for them. Also, they need to be able to separate taking care of their patients and becoming too
close to them. There are more down days than there are up and some people can’t take that. It’s best to shadow
someone or get some type of exposure.

Picture Credits: google images Article Citations: ENS Lauren Andres, USN
 Alternative Medicine
Cathleen Casillo, Senior
When people first think of cancer treatment, harsh chemotherapy and focused radiation usually come to mind. October
is considered Breast Cancer Awareness month in order to gain attention and support from people all over the country.
Just like any disease, there are a variety of different treatments to treat breast cancer depending on the person and se-
verity. Complementary medicine is a term used to describe a non-mainstream practice used simultaneously with West-
ern medicine. For example, if a cancer patient was receiving both chemotherapy and acupuncture, it would be consid-
ered a complementary treatment plan. Alternative medicine is the use of a non-mainstream practice in place of modern
medicine, only receiving acupuncture and not chemotherapy. Lastly, integrative health care brings both conventional
and complementary practices together to treat both body and soul. Although there is no definitive data just yet, the
benefits of integrative medicine have the potential to better patient outcomes and behaviors.

There are a variety of complementary health approaches present in our society, an important concept to keep in
mind when talking to your doctor. Natural products such as herbs, vitamins and minerals and probiotics are often sold as
dietary supplements in local stores. According to a survey done in 2012, natural product usage was the most popular
form of complementary medicine used in American adults at 17.7%. Other remedies surveyed include deep breathing,
yoga, chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation, meditation, massage, special diets, homeopathy, progressive relaxation
and guided imagery. All these different approaches can be used in conjunction with typical cancer treatment yet provide
a different relief for the body. Although these natural products and mind/body practices are not supported by any quan-
titative research findings, they may be a positive source of inspiration for cancer patients and allow for a sense of control
within the treatment process.

Just like any disease management, one must considered safety measures before beginning to incorporate com-
plementary medicine into his or her lifestyle. There are important things to keep in mind when selecting either a natural
product or a mind/body practice. First, there may be possible drug interactions with natural products and prescribed
medication. St. John’s wort is an herb than is shown to interfere with antidepressant drugs and hinder the intended
effects. In addition, many natural products do not need to have proof of safety and effectiveness before they are availa-
ble to the public, which poses a possible product contamination threat.

When it comes to health care, awareness is a crucial aspect of patient care. The month of October represents
caring for breast cancer patients, but also a sense of hope for the future of medicine. Alternative practices are being in-
corporated more frequently into treatment plans. As nurses, it is important that our patients are aware of different
treatment options and the ability they have to choose what works best for their lifestyle and situation. Awareness gives
patients a sense of power and control regarding their health and allows for a better patient experience.

Picture Credits: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/

 Men and Breast Cancer
Holly Storm, Sophomore
When people think about Breast Cancer, people think of the common things like the color pink, maybe the month of October
where there is a lot of awareness on this cancer, and the cancer affecting women. But what people forget is that men are at
risk to get breast cancer too. Men who are at risk for breast cancer include older men because the risk goes up as men age and
in fact, men over the age of 68 are most at risk. Men are also at risk if
there is a family history and if they have gene mutations. There are also
a couple more risk factors for breast cancer such as radiation exposure,
heavy drinking, liver disease, estrogen treatment, obesity, testicular
conditions, and an occupation in places like steel mills or in higher tem-
peratures. Some of these risk factors are obviously shared, but it is im-
portant to mention that increased hormone and having testicular con-
ditions that increase hormones is an important thing to note because
increased hormones means increased chance of breast cancer. Another
thing to note is that men might have differences in detecting breast
cancer early in comparison to women because of things like breast size
and a lack of awareness. Because men have a decreased amount of
breast tissue, it is easier to detect breast cancer because having less
breast tissue makes it easier to feel tumors. Women on the other hand have more tissue and therefore the lumps are harder to
find. Less breast tissue however also has its disadvantages. Men’s breast cancer spreads easier than women’s since they have
less tissue to spread through and that can affect a prognosis.

Many men tend to think that they cannot get breast cancer and may ignore anything they feel because of this; there-
fore, there is this delay in treatment which can make their diagnosis worse and reduce the chance that the treatment is suc-
cessful. That is different than women because women are more aware of what is going on with their breasts and are more will-
ing and likely to go to their doctor with any concerns because they have this awareness. After a man is diagnosed with breast
cancer, their treatment is actually very similar to the treatment that women receive for breast cancer because it is hard to
study treatment of male breast cancer patients without studying women outcomes. Treatment can include surgery, radiation,
chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. Obviously, a man will discuss with his doctor what is best for him and
his specific case. Though breast cancer is about 100 times less common in men than women here are some important facts to
remember. In their lifetime, a man has a 1 in 1,000 chance of getting breast cancer. In the year 2016, about 2,600 new cases of
breast cancer in men will be diagnosed and about 440 men will die from breast cancer. Though this does not seem particularly
large numbers, that is quite significant, so men should in fact talk to their primary health care providers when they have con-
cerns and know their risks for getting breast cancer.

Picture Credits: albieaware.org

 A Second Time Around?
Emily Churchill, Sophomore
Breast cancer is the most common and
deadly cancer among women. But what about all
the others? There are five gynecological cancers:
ovarian, uterine, cervical, vulvar, and vaginal can-
cer. While the statistics on each one is different,
they are still heartbreaking. Surprisingly, women
who have had breast cancer are at a higher risk of getting breast cancer again along with these others.
The statistics on first time diagnosis of breast and gynecological cancers are staggering. 1 in 8 wom-
en will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. 3% of women will develop ovarian and uterine cancer in
their lifetime. 13,000 women a year will be diagnoses with cervical cancer. 6000 women a year will be diag-
nosed with vulvar or vaginal cancer. But, the reoccurrence of breast cancer in women who have already
had it before is most common within the first 5 years after treatment. It is also common to develop gyneco-
logical cancers after already having breast cancer. But why is this so? What causes this? There are a few ex-
planations.

Certain genes can leave someone susceptible to breast and other gynecological cancers. For exam-
ple, the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are involved in DNA repair and cell growth. This gene is the most common
in predisposing women to breast cancer. Women who have had breast cancer have an increased risk of
getting other cancers. A mutation in this gene can cause breast cancer, but then can happen again to show
up as other cancers especially ovarian cancer. There is nothing someone can do about their genetics to
change their chances of developing cancer. The best way to find out if one carries a predisposing gene is to
get screened. Screenings only look for the gene and cannot say if you are guaranteed to get cancer because
of it. But no matter the result of the screening, one can make life altering decisions and practices to help
reduce their risk for cancer.

Another risk for developing cancer or reoccurring cancer is being previously treated for cancer. In
other words, there is a small risk that cancer treatment will lead to another cancer along the road. One ex-
ample is Tamoxifen, a drug used to treat breast cancer and the recurrence of breast cancer. But it does in-
crease the risk of developing uterine cancer. It is shown that the benefits of taking Tamoxifen out way the
risks, but does cause uterine cancer in some women. Chemo therapy, radiation, and certain drugs all
change one’s body. In many instances it is for the best, treating the cancer, but in few cases it can be harm-
ful. This information is not meant to discourage or convince anyone from not seeking treatment for cancer,
but only to inform people of every possibility.
The best way to prevent the reoccurrence of cancer is too look for the signs, symptoms, and risk.
Women who have had a breast cancer diagnosis under the age of 45 or has a close relative with breast or
gynecological cancer is at a higher risk for reoccurrence. Most gynecological cancers have symptoms that
include pelvic or abdominal pain, unusual bleeding or spotting, urinary changes, swelling and bloating. By
looking for the signs and symptoms and being routinely screened one can give themselves the best changes
of avoiding a cancer or cancer recurrence diagnosis.

Article: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-after-second-cancers,
Picture Credit: http://www.foundationforwomenscancer.org/wp-content/uploads/Breast-Cancers-Link-to-Ovarian-Cancer-Its-in-your-genes1.pdf
 Legislative Update
Holly Storm, Sophomore, Legislative Coordinator

The resolution for the SNAP Conference was submitted. Even though our original topic was on Bi-
cycle Helmet Safety and advocating for people over the age of 18 to wear helmets, just as people under
the age of 18 are required to in many states by law. Following the UN meeting at the end of September
however, a statement came out saying that there were three bacteria that were at critical level in terms
of resistance to antibiotics. After hearing this, we changed our topic. Antimicrobial resistance is a serious
problem in hospitals today because there is an over-
use of antibiotics in hospitals and an inappropriate
use of antibiotics in agriculture. Obviously this is a
huge issue causing 23,000 deaths related to antibi-
otic-resistant infections and there have been 2 mil-
lion people that were infected with bacteria resistant
to at least one antibiotic that commonly treats the
infection. The three bacteria that the UN declared at
critical level is Clostridium difficile, Carbapenem-
resistant enterbacteriaceae, and drug-resistant Neis-
seria gonorrhoeae. It is also interesting to see Clos-
tridium difficile because this is a common sight to see
in hospitals, and if it is resistant to antibiotics, this makes it more difficult to treat. To combat this prob-
lem, hospitals across the country have started Antimicrobial Stewardship Program which includes doc-
tors, pharmacists, and many other areas of the hospital. Obviously the nurse is involved in this program,
but is not actually acknowledged as an important part of the team dealing with this issue. This is some-
thing that needs to be addressed because the nurse is the one communicating with all other parts of the
team and with the patients. The nurse is the one who teaches patients about the right way to take antibi-
otics and needs to be in the conversation for Antimicrobial Resistance.

Photo Credits: google images

 What’s the Difference?
Brie Gavin, Sophomore
So you want to donate to help fight against cancer but you don’t know the difference between cancer research and
cancer awareness, and now you’re lost.

Let’s start with cancer research. When you read all the different foundation’s mission statements they usually con-
tain the same core mission, to provide research into the different aspects of cancer, and help provide ways to fight it. The
first aspect is prevention. This is because the first step to fighting cancer is to lower its chances of occurring. Another aspect
that cancer research focuses on is diagnosis. This is done by creating tools to support early diagnosis detection methods. Do-
nations also support research for better treatment options and ultimately the donations are used to find a cure. Some foun-
dations such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital focuses on all the aspects listed above, but also supports care for indi-
viduals that are not able to otherwise afford medical care. An interesting aspect that very few people are aware of is that
these foundations work to make laws to help defeat cancer. They want the elected officials to make fighting and defeating
cancer a top priority so funds are allocated to advocacy for cancer research. By donating to research funds, you can help
make a difference in the treatments and prevention of cancer.

Now on to cancer awareness. One common mission of awareness foundations is to provide support, not only to the
patient, but to the family and community connected to this patient. Such foundations promote education on the many types
of cancer and what cancer diagnosis’ means. Both cancer research organizations and cancer awareness groups promote sup-
port to those individuals being diagnosed with cancer, dealing with treatment and learning to live with cancer. In a similar
aspect, cancer awareness foundations strive to empower individuals to be strong and fight back against cancer. When you
donate to a cancer awareness foundation you are helping to give support to those individuals who are dealing with a cancer
diagnosis and you are educating individuals about the many different effects of cancer to show why we need to keep fighting
against it. Your donation would make a difference.

One thing to keep in mind is that there are also disgraced foundations such as Cancer Fund of America which was
proven to be a “sham charity”. When choosing a foundation, be smart about your choice. What is important to remember is
that there are many different types of cancer and many different characteristics of the individual affected by it. A lot of re-
search foundations also support awareness foundations and vice versa.

Some Cancer research foundations to consider donating to:

National Foundation for Cancer Research

St Jude Children’s Research Hospital

American Cancer Society

Some Cancer Awareness foundations to consider donating to:

American Cancer Society

Breast Cancer Associations

American Cancer Foundation

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Photo credits: choosehope.com


DUSNA
 Legislative Committee meetings Monday and
Thursdays at 4:45 on fifth floor of library.
 Houlihan’s fundraiser December 1 at 4pm. Remember
to mention DUSNA.
 Contact Megan Rudzinski at rudzinskim@duq.edu for
more information on FOCUS volunteering.
 December 3 is the ice skating social with DUSNA.
 January social will be a self defense class. Stay tuned
for details.
Left: Nurses’ Night, making
blankets for the children's
home.
Right: Light the Night Walk
with ATD.
Photo Credits : Emily Churchill and Morgan Gruender
PESTO CHEESY CHICKEN ROLLS
allrecipes.com
Ingredients
 3 tablespoons white cake mix
(regular or sugar free)
 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree
 1 tablespoon water
 ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
News & Announce-
School of Nursing
 Scheduling begins soon. Make sure to see
your advisor for questions and concerns.
NCLEX Nook
Question is from: nursingtip.com
While preparing to adminis-
ter an intradermal injection,
the nurse attaches the
syringe to:
A. 22 gauge needle
B. 18 gauge needle
C. 25 gauge needle
D. 20 gauge needle
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F
(175 degrees C). Spray a baking dish
with cooking spray.
2. Spread 2 to 3 tablespoons of the pesto
sauce onto each flattened chicken
breast. Place one slice of cheese over
the pesto. Roll up tightly, and secure
with toothpicks. Place in a lightly
greased baking dish.
3. Bake uncovered for 45 to 50 minutes in
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the preheated oven, until chicken is nicely browned and juices run clear.
 Brace yourselves: registration is Maroon in fall? Groundbreaking. Try going
Libra coming. Prepare yourselves and Aries against the status quo and bring a revival of
get your Plan A and B or even C neon colors for this dreary Pittsburgh weath-
schedules ready to go. Stay at er. We all need a little pop of color. Andy
that computer at 7 am and Warhol would be proud.
don’t give up until you get all
your classes.
March 21-April 19
September 23-October 22
Midterm week killed your mo- Better double check that bank statement or
Scorpio rale and now you can only look Taurus else you’ll be getting the horns! Next time,
forward to Thanksgiving break. save that paycheck and say pass when you
Remember it’s always okay to and your friends go out for a fancy dinner at
take a day off from studying the Cheesecake Factory (for literally the 15th
and catch those extra Z’s or time).
relaxation.
April 20-May 20
October 23-November 21

Mars and Jupiter are almost Think you’re seeing double? Well you proba-
Sagittarius aligned so if that means any- Gemini bly are because everyone is breaking out the
thing at all, it means you basic Anorak jacket with leggings and riding
should definitely buy those boots. We’re not judging. Nothing beats a
Panic! At the Disco concert causal put together outfit than that.
tickets. Never heard of them?
Well you should start.
May 21-June 20
November 22-December 21
Capricorn Capricorn? More like candy Stop going round and round doing the same
corn! Halloween season is upon Cancer boring thing every day. Spice things up a
us and we all know what that little. Instead of the usual pepper seasoning,
means. 70% off bags of candy opt for some oregano or paprika instead!
on November 1st. Take ad-
vantage of sales, but watch out
for those cavities.
December 22-January 19
June 21-July 22

The best thing about colder Shooting stars will be prominent near Sirius
Aquarius weather is being able to wear Leo so look out at the sky on the 27th and make a
the same shirt and sweater wish! You definitely need the luck for finals in
every day without anyone no- December.
ticing. You really don’t need the
same shirt in five different col-
ors.
January 20-February 18
July 23-August 22

The Thanksgiving season looms Oh SNAP!....Convention that is! Think about

Pisces near and there are a bunch of
opportunities to give back to
the community. Maybe you
have a soup kitchen in your
town you could volunteer at.
Virgo becoming more involved in DUSNA and try
to attend the annual SNAP Convention. It’s a
great opportunity to make professional con-
nections and get closer with your fellow
nursing students.

August 23-
February 19-March 20
September 22

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The Scope’s HoroSCOPE is brought to you by the Dukie.

Interested in writing for The SCOPE?
We are always looking for new
writers. Contact Emily Churchill or
Morgan Gruender at
churchille@duq.edu for details
Photo
DUSNA BOARD OF
NCLEX
ANSWER : C DIRECTORS
 President– Julie Herr
Rationale: A 25 or 27 gauge
needle is used for intradermal.  Vice-President– Sarah Gibson
It is a very small needle.
 Secretary– Kerri Silbaugh
 Treasurer– Briana Gavin
 Social– Brittany Hopper
 Service– Megan Rudzinski
 Fundraising– Elena Billy, Dana Bernard
 Legislative Coordinator–Holly Storm
 Recruitment– Lauren Mertha
 Publicity–Emily Churchill, Morgan Gruender
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Photo credits: Emily Churchill