ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To review research and evidence-based resources on skin cancer prevention and early detection and their importance for oncology nurses. DATA SOURCES: Journal articles, federal reports, cancer surveillance data, behavioral surveillance data. CONCLUSION: Most cases of skin cancer are preventable. Survivors of many types of cancer are at increased risk of skin cancers. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Oncology nurses can play an important role in protecting their patients from future skin cancer morbidity and mortality.
Subject(s)
Cancer Survivors/education , Melanoma/diagnosis , Melanoma/etiology , Nurse's Role , Skin Neoplasms/diagnosis , Skin Neoplasms/etiology , Ultraviolet Rays/adverse effects , Humans , Melanoma/nursing , Oncology Nursing/methods , Patient Education as Topic/methods , Risk Factors , Skin Neoplasms/nursing , United StatesABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To explore childhood ultraviolet radiation exposure and skin carcinogenesis, review prevention practices, analyze indoor tanning trends, identify skin cancer prevention programs, and address the role of the oncology nurse in youth-focused community initiatives. DATA SOURCES: Review of the literature, research, and experience. CONCLUSION: Skin cancer is an important health problem for children because it is initiated in childhood and melanoma is on the rise in this population. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses can play a pivotal role in reducing the burden of skin cancer through patient education, community outreach, and political action.
Subject(s)
Skin Neoplasms/epidemiology , Child , Environmental Exposure , Humans , Nurse's Role , Oncology Nursing , Risk Factors , Ultraviolet Rays , WorkforceABSTRACT
Excessive sun exposure in childhood is a critical variable influencing skin cancer risk. Nurses must teach parents how to properly protect their children from excessive sun exposures by demystifying UV radiation and teaching proper sun-protection measures. Protecting children from excessive sun exposure, while not curtailing recreation, should be the goal of all nurses caring for children.
Subject(s)
Skin Neoplasms/prevention & control , Sunburn/prevention & control , Adolescent , Child , Child Care/methods , Child, Preschool , Curriculum , Health Education/organization & administration , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Internet , Nurse's Role , Pediatric Nursing/education , Program Evaluation , Protective Clothing , Risk Assessment , Risk Factors , Safety , School Health Services , Self Care/methods , Skin Neoplasms/epidemiology , Skin Neoplasms/etiology , Sunburn/complications , Sunlight/adverse effects , Sunscreening Agents/therapeutic use , United States/epidemiologyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To describe a systematic method for skin cancer assessment, applying current standard practices for integration into nursing practice. To provide the fundamentals of performing a skin cancer assessment for the nonmelanoma skin cancers, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinomas, and melanoma. Included in this discussion are risk profile calculations, mechanics of skin cancer assessment, descriptions of suspicious lesions, patient management, and follow-up. DATA SOURCES: Textbooks, research, review of the literature, and clinical experience. CONCLUSIONS: Skin cancer assessment is a skill that nurses can learn and implement into practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Knowledge and practice of good skin cancer assessment skills enhances nursing competence and positively influences patient outcomes.
