The Professional Home for Oncology Nurses

For many patients, the ringing of the bell at the end of cancer treatment is a moment of triumph, a ritual that signals victory over disease and the start of a new chapter. It’s a tradition embraced in oncology units across the country, often accompanied by applause, tears, and heartfelt hugs. But as cancer care evolves, so should the meaning of this powerful symbol. What if the bell could represent more than the completion of treatment? What if it became a beacon of resilience, hope, and progress at every stage of the cancer journey?

High fiber intake is significantly associated with the reduction of diarrhea in short- and long-term colorectal cancer survivors treated with surgery, researchers reported in an article published in JAMA Network Open. The study, conducted in the Netherlands, demonstrates that diet is an important component of managing bowel-related symptoms, which often persist in colorectal cancer survivorship.

Creatine is a nonessential nutrient found in the skeletal muscles, brain, and heart. It is produced in the body from glycine, arginine, and methionine and plays a critical role in energy production. Creatine’s benefits include improved muscle mass, strength, and acute exercise capacity. But has it been shown to be effective for patients with cancer?

Olfactory side effects of radiation therapy for head and neck cancer are dose-dependent, with a 20-fold increased risk in individuals receiving more than 22 Gy to the olfactory region, researchers reported in study results published in the December 2025 issue of JAMA Network Open. For many patients, the loss is permanent, researchers said. “These findings emphasize the need to carefully assess the dose and extent of the olfactory region during radiation therapy planning to prevent long-term olfactory dysfunction.”

Most of us were taught to document as if a lawyer might someday read our notes. That’s not wrong, but it’s only part of the story. In oncology, our documentation is more than a legal record or a billing requirement. It’s one of the most powerful tools we have to advocate for patients, safeguard equity, and make nursing work visible to the team. When we chart with purpose, we don’t just record what happened. We tell the story of why it mattered and what we did about it.

Fear, lack of confidence, and safety are the primary nursing concerns surrounding phase I clinical trials, ONS members Tahani Dweikat, MSN, EMHCA, AG-CNS, APRN, OCN^®, CCRP^®, ENP-C, CGNC, and Jeannine M. Brant, PhD, APRN, AOCN^®, FAAN, who is also an ONS past president, wrote in the December 2025 issue of the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing.