Carolyn Vachani, RN, MSN, AOCN, is a nurse educator for OncoLink®, an award-winning cancer information website sponsored by Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center. She is an oncology advanced practice nurse and has worked in the areas of medical hematology and oncology, bone marrow transplant, clinical research, radiation therapy and staff development.
In my time as an oncology nurse, I have sat with many families who were processing a loved one’s new cancer diagnosis. No matter the scenario, the questions are similar:
Friends and family rally around the patient, helping with meals, transportation and childcare. At the same time, many are also thinking: “Why my friend and not me?” It is only natural to think about one’s own mortality when a friend is faced with a cancer diagnosis.
What’s My Risk? is a comprehensive cancer risk tool at OncoLink designed to help individuals learn about the factors that determine their personal cancer risk and what they can do to decrease that risk. By completing a detailed questionnaire about their habits, lifestyle and health history, the program identifies their risk for cancer by creating a detailed report. The report includes information about each risk factor, how it affects cancer risk and resources to change those factors that can be changed.
Some good can come from a family member or friend being diagnosed with cancer. In the medical community, it is called a “teachable moment.” It is that time when a person is so affected by their loved one’s diagnosis that they vow, whether publicly or privately, to make changes in their life to reduce their risk of being in a similar situation. Maybe they’ll start exercising, make a diet change or quit smoking. So at this moment in time when they are most open to making changes, how do they know where to start? Do they really know what habits increase their cancer risk or how to go about changing them?
What’s My Risk? is a “teachable moment;” a chance to live healthier and reduce cancer risk.
 |
| Carolyn Vachani, RN, MSN, AOCN |
- How did this happen?
- What caused this?
- What do I do now?
Friends and family rally around the patient, helping with meals, transportation and childcare. At the same time, many are also thinking: “Why my friend and not me?” It is only natural to think about one’s own mortality when a friend is faced with a cancer diagnosis.
What’s My Risk? is a comprehensive cancer risk tool at OncoLink designed to help individuals learn about the factors that determine their personal cancer risk and what they can do to decrease that risk. By completing a detailed questionnaire about their habits, lifestyle and health history, the program identifies their risk for cancer by creating a detailed report. The report includes information about each risk factor, how it affects cancer risk and resources to change those factors that can be changed.
Some good can come from a family member or friend being diagnosed with cancer. In the medical community, it is called a “teachable moment.” It is that time when a person is so affected by their loved one’s diagnosis that they vow, whether publicly or privately, to make changes in their life to reduce their risk of being in a similar situation. Maybe they’ll start exercising, make a diet change or quit smoking. So at this moment in time when they are most open to making changes, how do they know where to start? Do they really know what habits increase their cancer risk or how to go about changing them?
What’s My Risk? is a “teachable moment;” a chance to live healthier and reduce cancer risk.
