The debate about prostate cancer screening: what nurses need to know

Abstract

Objectives: Special challenges and unique opportunities for nurses in the 21st century related to prostate cancer screening are reviewed.

Data sources: Current health care literature pertaining to prostate cancer screening issues.

Conclusions: Decisions that weigh the immediate risks of incontinence and erectile dysfunction against the long-term potential risk of death from advanced cancer must be made with conflicting values and incomplete data.

Implications for nursing practice: With their expertise in patient education nurses are in a unique position to communicate the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening in a manner in which patients can understand. A sample nursing care plan is presented for shared decision making.