Abstract: This paper critically examines the literature on mammography as a breast cancer screening modality. It looks at what the New Zealand consumer is being told about the scientific uncertainties about the effectiveness of mammography and the substantial risks involved with it. This literature review raises concerns about the lack of information available for healthy women to make a fully informed decision about mammography screening.

Abstract: This thesis is a philosophical inquiry that reflects a personal search for the meaning of ontological competency undertaken by the author after developing breast cancer. The text weaves together in creative synthesis, a collection of academic and personal writing undertaken during an MA (Applied) in Nursing degree process. Using the work of Dowling Singe (1999), Watson (1999), and Wilber (1985, 1990, 1991 & 2000), the thesis seeks, through the use of reflective autobiographical inquiry (Johnstone 1999a), to explore the personal meaning-making activities engaged in during this time to throw light upon the nature of nurse / nursing being. Exploring developmental schemata drawn from personal experience and illuminated by theory, nurses and nursing are challenged to become more self-reflective and self-aware. To facilitate the personal and professional growth that underpins notions of ontological competency, various aids in the form of maps and models are provided to support a transformative journey into awareness. From this position of expanding consciousness, the nurse / nursing is encouraged to reach beyond current paradigms, metaparadigms, epistemologies, and restrictive philosophies and to yield to the evolutionary imperative that seeks to prepare for a 21st century clinical practice where caring / healing becomes embodied enactment from “the Ground of All Being”.

Abstract: The primary aim of this research was to advocate for, and make known, the role of the community oncology nurse, and to bring alive the hidden issues of nursing people in the community who have active cancer treatment. This study is also about the author's journey from novice to expert in developing the role as a community oncology nurse. The research also aimed to identify and understand practice that community oncology nurses do and often take for granted. To capture the essence of this study the method of reflective topical autobiography was utilised, which gave the opportunity to gather advanced nursing inquiry, and generate new nursing knowledge. To obtain insight into the highs and lows in everyday interaction with patients, reflective practice stories are presented. The thesis generated by this research is that care required by cancer patients at home goes beyond the scope of traditional community health. It requires nurses to be competent in technological skills as well as bringing in-depth expertise to the practical and human needs of people experiencing cancer. The role involves holistic, family-centered care; anticipating patient and family needs; educating; managing symptoms; advocating; confronting ethical issues; coordinating complex care; and monitoring progress.

Abstract: The author presents the results of a study carried out as part of a research project with two nurse researchers from Maastricht University in the Netherlands. The aim of this study was to examine awareness among female students aged 18 to 25 about cervical cancer and to identify factors associated with their decision or intention to enter the cervical screening programme. Students aged 18-25 were recruited from four tertiary institutions in the Wellington region. A questionnaire was available online and distributed by student health centres and the researchers. Questions covered the following areas: intentions, attitude, knowledge, awareness, modelling, and support systems and efficacy. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression and independent t-tests. The findings are presented, and factors associated with intention and participation in cervical screening are discussed. The results indicate that the information concerning the national screening programme needs to be adjusted for the different age groups.