Nursing care and management

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most widespread type of cancer among women. Despite being associated with high morbidity and mortality, breast cancer can be diagnosed and treated early. Breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE), and mammography are the most commonly known and used screening programs in the early diagnosis of this disease. Education about breast cancer and screening programs increases the awareness of the seriousness of the disease and increases compliance with early diagnostic practices. Nurses who provide health education about breast screening programs play an important role in the early diagnosis of breast cancer. Nurses improve the awareness and participation of women in breast screening programs. Specialist breast care nurses have training and expertise in the management, treatment, and follow-up of patients diagnosed with breast cancer and are important members of the multidisciplinary breast care team, providing a range of key interventions. These nurses routinely assess patients with breast cancer and provide information and emotional support while offering tailored information about emotional coping. Nurses also prepare patients for treatment and explain the prevention and management of treatment-related side effects, including lymphedema, neutropenia, fatigue, skin reaction, nausea, and vomiting. Furthermore, nurses provide contact with the medical team and other health professionals as required and refer patients to other services as needed, including liaison psychiatry, physiotherapy, algology, and other support services.