2020    RESERVE YOUR PLACE  -  MASCC is offering a FREE webinar, “Supportive care in cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic.” A panel of MASCC experts will lead a virtual discussion on how the COVID-19 pandemic impacts cancer patients and how healthcare professionals can support them during the pandemic. Topics will include next steps after the crisis is resolved; precautions to take in the months ahead with a potential second wave; and impacts on oncology research including ongoing and planned clinical trials.

2020   DEADLINE EXTENDED: MASCC’s Survivorship Study Group invites healthcare professionals involved in the care of cancer patients to share their experiences and perceptions regarding patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in a 10-minute online survey. The Study Group is investigating oncology practitioners' current strategies and experiences in applying PROs in clinical practice, performance measurement, and research. The aims are (1) to explore practitioners’ experiences and perceptions on the use of PROs in routine clinical care at the patient level and (2) to assess the value of PROs as a performance or quality-of-care indicator at the system level. This study has been approved by the Institutional Review Boards of Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the Edith Cowan University, Western Australia.

If you are interested in participating, please follow this link for more information and the online survey by July 31, 2020: Patient-Reported Outcomes (PRO) Data Collection in Routine Care: An International Survey of Oncology Practitioners.

2020    In the June edition of Society News, MASCC President Raj Lalla reflects on his term as president; MASCC announces a record year in membership growth; this month, we share a recently published paper by members of the Survivorship Study Group on article cancer survivorship care during COVID-19; CancerCare provides free educational programs to help patients and their loved ones understand their diagnosis, treatment options, quality-of-life concerns, and other important topics; Stanford University offers a free online course: “Health After Cancer”; we discuss the unique challenges of providing oral supportive care during COVID-19; we also share information sources related to COVID-19.

2020    During the time of COVID-19 and worldwide quarantines, both patients and healthcare professionals are actively searching out online webinars and workshops more than ever before.  CancerCare provides free educational programs to help patients and their loved ones understand their diagnosis, treatment options, quality-of-life concerns, and other important topics. The Connect Education Workshops (TEWs) are free one-hour conference calls presented by cancer experts from around the country. TEWs are an easy way to learn about cancer-related issues from the convenience of home.  Participants can listen in to live workshops by phone or via live streaming on the CancerCare website. Participation is free, and no phone charges apply. Pre-registration is required. Every year, CancerCare produces more than 50 workshops that reach more than 45,000 people.  To register or learn more about upcoming workshops, click here.

2020    Stanford University’s Center for Continuing Medical Educations is offering a new online course, “Health After Cancer.” It features the basic principles of cancer survivorship to primary care physicians. Developed by a team of experts in caring for cancer survivors and narrated by a primary care physician, this course provides practical tips and tools that can be easily integrated into medical practice. The free course takes only 90 minutes to complete and is available for CME credit through the Stanford Center for Continuing Medical Education.

During the course, participants learn that Amelia is a young adult survivor of childhood cancer, Seema is a postmenopausal woman with early stage breast cancer experiencing a gamut of distressing side-effects from antiestrogen therapy, Bob is a middle-aged man treated for HPV+ head and neck cancer struggling with symptoms many months after the end of his treatment, and Richard is a vibrant college professor who chose to be screened and treated for prostate cancer and was later faced with complications from his treatment.

2020    MASCC is proud to announce a record growth in the number of memberships over the last one year. The number of MASCC members has grown from 1040 in May 2019 to 1581 in May 2020, an increase of over 50%. The increase in membership marks one of the top strategic priorities for outgoing MASCC President Rajesh Lalla and the Membership Committee. “Our success is due to strong partnerships with supportive cancer care leaders, advocates, and change-makers across the globe,” said Lalla.

2020    This month, we are sharing a recent article published by MASCC members in the MASCC journal Supportive Care in Cancer. With the rapidly changing and evolving practice in managing COVID-19, MASCC would like to share information on our members’ professional experiences amongst our community. If you are interested and able to share your professional experiences, advice and advancements during this time of international crisis, we will find a convenient time in your schedule for a brief 30-minute interview. Please contact Angela Perez today at [email protected].

2020    In the May edition of Society News, MASCC President Raj Lalla reflects on pandemics throughout history and role of healthcare providers during these difficult times. MASCC announces the results for the 2020 – 2022 Board of Directors election. In order to aid our members during this difficult and uncertain time, MASCC shares links to COVID-19 related information. With the rapidly changing and evolving practice in managing COVID-19, MASCC launches a series of articles sharing members’ professional experiences during the current crisis. This month features Sameena Bilgi, MA, Head of Patient Guidance Program, from the Gunvati Jagan Nath Kapoor Foundation in Mumbai, India. Bogda Koczwara, soon-to-be chair of the Psychosocial Issues Study Group, focuses on the role of all MASCC study groups during the time of COVID-19. MASCC announces a search for the voluntary role of Annual Meeting Chair (AMC). MASCC shares follow-up information on the postponement of the 2020 MASCC/ISOO Annual Meeting. MASCC shares membership discount information for the “Year of the Nurse” program. Stanford University shares a postdoc fellowship opportunity.

2020    To aid our members during this difficult and uncertain time, MASCC is sharing links to COVID-19 related information, including management of oncology patients. Our website will be updated as new resources are released or shared with us. The resources listed are intended to guide members to information most useful to them.
Categories include: groups with an oncology focus, general information for healthcare professionals, webinars and workshops, and scientific journals. 
Members are encouraged to share relevant links. Send suggestions to Angela Perez at [email protected].

2020    MASCC invites nurses in supportive cancer care to take advantage of a new initiative, the Year of the Nurse Membership Discount Program. MASCC is offering a 50% discount on membership dues to all nurses, both renewing members and nurses who become new members in 2020. This year-long program honors the World Health Organization’s (WHO) designation of 2020 as ‘Year of the Nurse and Midwife’ in honor of Florence Nightingale and her 200th anniversary.  She was born May 12, 1820 and is and considered the founder of modern nursing.

2020    Stanford University is seeking to recruit a highly motivated individual with a doctoral degree in psychology (e.g., clinical, counseling, social, educational), epidemiology, public health, medicine, nursing, or a related social science field with an interest in developing expertise in conducting cancer-related behavioral intervention trials. Individuals from underrepresented racial or ethnic groups are encouraged to apply. Prior research experience or training in behavioral sleep medicine is a plus, but is not essential.  A major focus of the lab is to understand the association between sleep and cancer treatment outcomes. The successful candidate will work as a member of a large, multi-site research team that will evaluate the impact of a behavioral intervention on sleep and be involved in studies evaluating neurocognitive impairment in cancer patients.

2020    MASCC is pleased to announce the results of the recent election for the 2020 – 2022 MASCC Board. The following candidates were elected by the MASCC membership for a 2 year term, which will begin at an online Board meeting being planned for June 2020 (listed in alphabetical order):

2020    Applications due May 12th, 2020.   MASCC is searching for an Annual Meeting Chair (AMC).  This exciting voluntary senior leadership position is your opportunity to network internationally and serve the greater cause of expanding supportive cancer care. The AMC has overall responsibility for working in cooperation with the Professional Conference Organizer (PCO) on all aspects of MASCC’s annual meeting organization.

2020    With the rapidly changing and evolving practice in managing COVID-19, MASCC is honored to begin a series of articles sharing our members’ professional experiences during the current crisis.  This month, we feature Sameena Bilgi, MA, Head of Patient Guidance Program, from the Gunvati Jagan Nath Kapoor Foundation in Mumbai, India.  The foundation provides guidance and psychosocial services to patients in Mumbai-Maharashtra and Amritsar-Punjab.

2020    As I write these words, there are 3 million cases of COVID-19 infections around the world and every MASCC member has been directly or indirectly affected by the pandemic.  Labs have closed, elective surgical lists were stopped, and work from home began as did home schooling of small children. Cancer work never really stops, not even in the time of the pandemic.  That work evolves rapidly and the pandemic has presented us, the cancer clinicians and researchers, with urgent and significant challenges.  And with many questions: “How do we deliver care safely?” “Whose treatment is no longer safe?” “What research can continue and how?”

2020    As mentioned in the April newsletter, COVID-19 presented challenges to deliver the MASCC/ISOO Annual Meeting safely, with the only responsible course of action to postpone to June 24-26, 2021 in the same location - Seville, Spain. We have asked members who planned to attend to please change or cancel any travel or hotel arrangements you have made independently. If you have not done so, please remember to do so as soon as possible as most airlines are currently waiving change fees and providing a full credit for tickets that normally do not allow changes.

2020    In the April issue of the Society News, MASCC President Raj Lalla discusses fear and heroism in the wake of the global pandemic. We also want to express gratitude to our members for your continued support and hope for health and safety for you and your families during this very difficult time across the globe. MASCC has postponed our 2020 conference to 2021.  For new dates and details see below. MASCC is pleased to announce that the Gustave Roussy Institute in Paris, France has been recognized as a MASCC Center of Excellence in Supportive Care in Cancer. We extend a warm welcome to all the new members who joined us in February.

2020    MASCC has recently become a member of the European CanCer Organisation (ECCO). We are looking for members to volunteer to be part of the MASCC-ECCO working group to represent supportive cancer care. ECCO, based in Europe, is a not-for-profit federation of member organizations working to reduce the burden of cancer and improve outcomes and the quality of care for cancer patients. The organization weighs in on European Union policy, advocates for positive change, and serves as a united voice for the European cancer community.

2020    To aid our members during this difficult and uncertain time, MASCC is sharing links to COVID-19 related information, including management of oncology patients.  Our website will be updated as new resources are released or shared with us.   The resources listed are intended to guide members to information most useful to them.  Categories include: groups with an oncology focus, general information for healthcare professionals, and scientific journals.  Members are encouraged to share relevant links. Send suggestions to Angela Perez at [email protected].

2020    MASCC is proud to announce that the Gustave Roussy Institute in Paris, France has been recognized as a MASCC-Designated Center of Excellence in Supportive Care in Cancer. Gustave Roussy is a European Cancer Center for patient care, research and teaching, and treatment for all types of cancer. The certification program recognizes oncology centers that demonstrate best practices in supportive cancer care. MASCC’s certification program aims both to educate and to encourage a supportive care focus among oncology healthcare professionals. The certification will be presented at the 2021 MASCC/ISOO Annual Meeting. The application was organized by MASCC Board Member, Florian Scotté, MD, PhD, who heads the Interdisciplinary Cancer Course Department at the Gustave Roussy Cancer Center.