For the last 40 years, Oncology Issues—the official journal of the Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC)—has provided research studies, articles, and practical resources for the entire multidisciplinary cancer care team. There is truly something for everyone, and this month’s issue is no different. 

In the latest edition of Oncology Issues, our contributors take you from a newly opened melanoma clinic in Southern California, to a staff support program in New York, to a study of breast cancer knowledge gaps in Nigeria, and beyond. Discover the latest in cutting-edge psychedelic-assisted therapy for patients with cancer, along with tips on how to streamline biomarker testing with electronic health record (EHR) systems. The August 2025 edition of the journal contains 8 feature articles covering the full spectrum of cancer care, from financial health to mental well-being support for providers. 

Margins in Crisis: Evaluating and Improving Your Cancer Program’s Financial Performance 

As cancer programs struggle to enhance financial sustainability amid rising costs and shrinking reimbursements, it is more important than ever for programs to evaluate strategies to boost patient volume, increase revenue, and lower program costs. While improvements in these areas can—and should—be pursued using a data-driven approach, it doesn’t all occur in the accounting department. There are opportunities to increase revenue by focusing on the experience of patients, embracing clinical trials, offering cutting-edge treatment options, and more. 

Discover effective approaches designed to help cancer programs navigate financial challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration. This article comes from experts across institutions and disciplines, including administrative leaders, strategy experts, and providers. There is not a one-size-fits-all solution for financial sustainability, but rather a collection of tactics to choose from that acknowledge the unique nature of each individual cancer center. 

Care Code® and Holistic Interventions: Addressing Compassion Fatigue and Improving Resiliency Among Staff 

Caring for thousands of patients each year takes an emotional toll—especially on oncology nurses and providers, who are at high risk for moral and psychological distress. White Plains Hospital, located in a suburb of New York City, supports staff well-being through Care Code®, an innovative support program that provides regular and on-demand stress relief tailored to the needs of health care teams. 

Care Code® has 20 dedicated staff members at White Plains Hospital who provide holistic care for staff, including mindfulness and meditation, Reiki, group support, and aromatherapy. The program first became an indispensable resource during the COVID-19 pandemic and has continued to be an important tool for fostering resilience. Learn how this institution enacted Care Code® and how acknowledging the diverse needs of their staff has benefited the individuals who make up the cancer care team. 

2025 Trending Now in Cancer Care: Part 2 

ACCC held its 51st Annual Meeting & Cancer Center Business Summit (AMCCBS) in March of 2025, featuring a series of interactive sessions on trending topics impacting oncology providers and cancer care delivery. This edition of Oncology Issues includes Part 2 of the 2025 Trending Now in Cancer Care Report, highlighting key insights from facilitators and participants. If you missed Part 1 of this comprehensive report, catch up here. 

This year’s hot topics included comprehensive cancer care services, payer-driven challenges and solutions, research and clinical trials, and mobile screening efforts to promote cancer prevention and education in communities. Explore the challenges and solutions in these areas discussed by the multidisciplinary participants in attendance at this year’s conference, including key takeaways that can be applied to your cancer center. 

Exploring Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy in Oncology 

As the number of patients and survivors of cancer grows each year, awareness of the emotional toll—including depression, anxiety, and deep existential distress—is increasingly recognized as a critical aspect of cancer care. In response, psychedelic-assisted therapy is gaining attention as a promising alternative to traditional mental health interventions, providing relief for some patients. 

In most states, legal access to psychedelic drugs is restricted to clinical trials for patients with cancer, but this treatment is far from a radical idea in academic and clinical settings. In this article, Jennifer Bires, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, FACCC, executive director of Life with Cancer and Patient Experience at Inova Health System, discusses the state of research on psychedelic therapies and how they can benefit oncology patients. 

Breast Cancer Knowledge Gaps and Misconceptions Among Non-Medical Female University Students in Southwestern Nigeria 

Despite global awareness of breast cancer, more than a million women are diagnosed each year, with thousands dying worldwide. In Nigeria, it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women aged 15 to 39 years, making up about 50% of all cancers in this age group. 

A study conducted by researchers at Afe Babalola University in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, examined knowledge gaps and misconceptions among Nigerian undergraduate women. Researchers surveyed these young women about what they know and believe about breast cancer, including common misconceptions tied to culture and religion. They aim to use this data to inform more effective breast cancer education and outreach initiatives tailored to the needs of the population. Read the full study to understand the knowledge landscape among young women in Nigeria and how local health care workers are contributing to cancer research in their community.

Lymphedema After Breast Cancer: Addressing Barriers and Building Strategies to Improve Long-Term Self-Management 

Lymphedema is a chronic, incurable condition that is common among patients following breast cancer treatment and demands lifelong symptom management. Common procedures, such as lymph node biopsy and radiation therapy, can impair lymphatic drainage and cause accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the arm or breast. Lymphedema often occurs shortly after treatment but may develop years later while patients are well into survivorship care. 

While consistent self-care is vital, many patients struggle with adherence, spotlighting the urgent need for strategies to improve follow-up care. Identifying these challenges and empowering patients with better guidance and resources can transform patient quality of life. In this article, Berfin Mahmut, PT, DPT, CLT-LANA, OnCs, an oncologic physical therapist and lymphedema therapist at Mount Sinai Health System, explores barriers and solutions to treatment adherence for this population. 

Advancing Skin Cancer Care With a Specialized Melanoma Clinic 

With prevention, early detection, and accessibility at the heart of its mission, MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center recently launched a new Melanoma Clinic and Skin Cancer Program to meet the growing demand for expert skin cancer care in Southern California. “The goal of this program is not just to provide specialized care, but to make sure patients have access to education, preventive screenings, and innovative therapies,” said Tanya Evans, MD, board-certified dermatologist who led the development of these initiatives. 

To achieve their goals, MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center took a holistic approach, focusing on all stages of melanoma, prevention, and patient well-being. Their innovation and multidisciplinary collaboration serve as a model to other cancer centers offering specialized care. 

Integrating EHRs With Reference Labs for Biomarker Testing 

EHR systems have the power to streamline processes across the spectrum of cancer care. This infographic makes the case for integrating EHR systems with reference labs for biomarker testing to optimize treatment planning, improve turnaround times, and enhance data insights. Explore ACCC’s roadmap to EHR integration, project planning tips, and more in this comprehensive guide for cancer programs. 

Beyond the Features 

In addition to these compelling feature articles, Oncology Issues includes a dedicated column from Editor-in-Chief, Krista Nelson, LCSW, OSW-C, FAOSW, FAPOS, FACCC and 2025-2026 ACCC President Una Hopkins, DNP, MSN, BSN, FNP-BC, NE-BC, RN, FACCC; a spotlight on ACCC program member Columbia Memorial Hospital-OHSU Knight Cancer Collaborative; updates on recent FDA approvals and drugs in the news, and more. We encourage you to dive deeper into the latest edition of Oncology Issues to take advantage of all the insights our contributors have to offer.