Symptom Management in Oncology Nursing

The incidence of cancer cases and the rate of death causes are increasing all over the world and in our country. Modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors have a large share in this increase. Cancer is an important health problem that requires constant care and affects the whole lives of individuals. The care of the patient diagnosed with cancer includes support with physical, emotional and social aspects as well as treatment. This holistic care approach requires nurses to use all their knowledge and skills.
The rapid increase in cancer cases has been an important factor in the development of oncology nursing. The care of the cancer patient requires an interdisciplinary approach, and at this point, the oncology nurse is an important and integral element. Oncology nurses are the pioneers who convey the necessary information about the care of the patient and the reasons for the treatment and care to the patients and their families during their treatment and ensure that all these are understood. Symptom management is an important area in oncology nursing, as the symptoms that occur in cancer patients affect the continuation of treatment, quality of life, and morbidity and mortality. The symptom burden experienced by the patients varies according to the patient's age, gender, primary cancer area, stage, treatment, and the presence of another chronic disease. Nursing care in symptom management encompasses care at home or in a healthcare facility. While planning, the adaptation process and characteristics of the patient should also be taken into account. Nurses should regularly evaluate patients' symptoms, observe the presence of psychological symptoms as well as physiological symptoms, and should not forget that the symptoms experienced by patients and their families are important to them.
We hope that this book, which covers the common symptoms in oncology and the roles of the nurse in the management of these symptoms, will be a useful resource for the nursing profession.