Cancer Prevention and Detection: Application Across the Cancer Trajectory

Oncology nurses have many opportunities to implement cancer prevention and early detection recommendations across the cancer trajectory. Understanding the principles that guide the recommendations is important to providing comprehensive oncology care; many readily available resources can assist oncology nurses with this education. Guidelines for the prevention and early detection of malignancy are based on a comprehensive cancer risk assessment that includes past medical history, lifestyle factors, family history, and, in some cases, genetic testing.

AT A GLANCE

• Cancer risk assessment occurs regularly in oncology nursing practice.
• Oncology nurses have opportunities to provide patients and their families with education about cancer prevention, early detection, and screening for second malignancies.
• Nurses can use many readily available resources to facilitate cancer prevention education.