CANCER TRENDS 101
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Marci Nilsen, PhD, RN, CHPN, FAAN, is a nurse scientist at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, professor of Otolaryngology in the School of Medicine and professor of Acute and Tertiary Care in the School of Nursing at the University of Pittsburgh( Pitt). She is dedicated to advancing research in head and neck cancer survivorship. Hear from her on the latest cancer trends in southwest Pennsylvania and the impact cancer research at Pitt has on patient care.
Tell us about your roles at UPMC Hillman and the University of Pittsburgh.
My research focuses on understanding how outcomes after cancer differ among individuals and identifying the factors that drive these differences, with the goal of developing more personalized interventions and models of care.
In our head and neck cancer survivorship clinic, we often see patients who received similar treatments, but their recovery can look very different. Some can return to daily routines, while others experience long-lasting changes that make everyday activities much more difficult. These experiences inspire our research, which focuses on helping individuals diagnosed with head and neck cancer feel and function better after treatment.
I also co-lead UPMC Hillman’ s Biobehavioral Cancer Control Program where we focus on cancer prevention efforts, such as smoking cessation and addressing environmental risk factors. Some researchers work with individuals, while others focus on developing policies that support cancer prevention in the community.
What cancer prevention strategies do you recommend?
It’ s important to stay on top of regular cancer screenings. Talk to your provider about which ones are right for you. Knowing your family history also makes a difference.
Staying up to date on vaccines, like the HPV vaccine, can help prevent certain cancers. Making healthy choices matters, too. Start small— take more walks or add an extra serving of fruits or vegetables to your meals to increase fiber.
Most of all, don’ t be afraid to speak up if you have concerns or questions. And if you need help accessing care, check out local community health programs.