Making sense of radiotherapy: curative and palliative

Article Abstract:

Radiotherapy, a therapy in which ionising radiation is used to destroy malignant cells, is used to treat more than 50% of cancer patients. Radiotherapy is used for both curative and palliative purposes, either as a sole treatment or in conjunction with other treatments. Radiotherapy causes damage to normal cells as well as tumour cells since radiation cannot differentiate between the two. Although normal cells can repair partial damage, treatment is most effective when there is maximum exposure of the tumour and minimum exposure of surrounding tissues.

Author: Holmes, Susan
Health aspects, Cancer, Cancer treatment, Radiotherapy

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Nursing management of oral care in older patients

Article Abstract:

Oral care is an important nursing activity to ensure patient comfort, prevent infection and maintain nutritional status. However oral care practices have not changed for many years and there is a lack of research on care provision. Appropriate oral care should start with an effective and thorough oral assessment and nurses should recognise what constitutes a healthy mouth.

Author: Holmes, Susan
Care and treatment, Practice, Nursing, Mouth, Oral hygiene

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Making sense of bovine spongiform encephalopathy

Article Abstract:

This article discusses the symptoms and cause of bovine spongiform encephalopathy and its relation to the similar human condition, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. British scientists are investigating the possibility of its transmission to humans, and products such as offal have been removed form the human food chain as a precautionary measure.

Author: Holmes, Susan
United Kingdom, Research, Bovine spongiform encephalopathy, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

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