This review demonstrates the significance of mammographic screening for early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Mammographic screening in women aged 40-49 detected smaller tumors with less nodal metastasis, resulting in improved survival, which supports annual mammographic screening in this age group.

Distress remains a pervasive experience of patients with cancer. As a result, a quality improvement project was conducted in the breast cancer clinic of a university cancer center in the midwestern United States. Nurses identified a need to increase identification of distress over a six-month period when they made only eight referrals for distress support during 1,291 patient encounters. The eight referrals were the result of patient exhibitions of severe distress in the clinic. To increase identification of distress, as well as referrals for support before patients exhibited severe distress, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network's Distress Thermometer screening tool was implemented in the clinic from June 1 through July 6, 2010. The instrument was completed by each participant during a patient encounter, followed by a review of the responses with a nurse. Referrals for support were offered by nurses when responses indicated a significant level of distress. Nurses increased identification of distress by using the instrument. In addition, referrals for support increased before patients exhibited severe distress. Nurses are positioned to improve care by identifying distress and making referrals for support.

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Introduction: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are three world religions that occupy much of the world stage in health care, journalism, and media. Nurses frequently provide care for representatives of these groups. Culturally competent nurses recognize that there are differences and similarities within and between these religions. Methodology: This article incorporates findings from a scholarly review of the literature and transcultural nursing/health care principles and is guided by Leininger’s Culture Care Diversity and Universality Theory. It discusses the roots from which these religions emerged, and the similarities and differences in religious beliefs and practices as pertained to health care. Conclusion: Nurses and other health care professionals may use knowledge presented in this article to conduct individualized cultural assessments and provide culturally congruent health care to Jewish, Christian, and Muslim populations. Leininger’s three culture care modes of decisions and actions offer a creative approach to providing meaningful and helpful culturally sensitive care.

Nurses provide care for people of many cultures. Understanding the patient's culture and incorporating cultural beliefs and practices into care are important to the patient's holistic well-being. Cultural and professional awareness creates culturally congruent care. Biblical teachings remind us to love one another; laws require culturally appropriate care, and nursing theory lays the path for understanding. The purpose of this article is to present a Christian view of caring, the theoretical and ethical underpinnings of cultural care, and the organizational and legal aspects of doing what is right.