On this month's cover is an anatomical drawing of the head and neck-the region that's the focus of a CE article on oropharyngeal cancer in this issue. The image caught the eye of AJN clinical editor Betsy Todd owing to its departure from typical anatomical drawings: "It shows the beauty and elegance of the human body, and suggests movement and 'aliveness,'" she says.
Todd feels that more-artistic-than-usual anatomical art-like Leonardo da Vinci's anatomy drawings, for example-can serve a purpose beyond depicting real life. "These kinds of drawings are beautiful, even though the subject matter isn't particularly pretty," she says. "They convey a feeling of respect for the human body, and even wonder. I think that should be our starting point when working with people in ill health."
For patients with cancer, the "starting point" often gives way to a journey that can be challenging for both patients and nurses. AJN's cancer survivorship care series continues this month with an overview of head and neck cancer, with a focus on human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal cancer, which is on the rise and tends to affect younger adult patients. For more on this disease, including its risk factors, treatment, and late and long-term treatment effects, see "Human Papillomavirus-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer: A Review of Nursing Considerations." -Diane Szulecki, associate editor