Screening by nurse clinicians in cancer prevention and detection

Abstract

Cancer screening by definition as an organized effort to detect cancer at an early stage when reduced mortality is possible. Cancer screening should not be the exclusive responsibility of comprehensive cancer centers or large urban medical centers. Rather, every health professional should play a significant role in the early detection and education of patients with cancer. As seen here, some of the most common and life-threatening forms of cancer are the most preventable. Practical and inexpensive steps exist for thorough and effective screening. Nurses educated in the early detection of cancer are in a unique position; they are on the front line of patient care in the promotion and education of patients to the many benefits of early detection. Preventive efforts, such as screening and early detection, coupled with vastly improved treatment modalities, provide a very real and potent weapon against diseases that only 20 years ago were considered incurable.