Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the
United States. Today, one out of every 4 deaths is
cancer-related. With a rapidly aging population and
an increase in cancer diagnoses, this number is expected
to double within the next 30 years and increase more
than four-fold in the next 50 years, making cancer
the leading cause of death in the United States. Tragically,
as the number of cancer incidences increase, the number
of oncology nurses who are available to provide specialized
care for patients with cancer is decreasing. Statistics
show that, by the year 2015, the number of patients
who need specialized cancer care will greatly outweigh
the number of oncology nurses that are trained to
provide treatment.
Oncology nurses play a unique, critical role in the care of patients with cancer. From prevention and detection to end-of-life care, oncology nurses work with individuals and families to plan, implement, and monitor cancer care. They educate patients, family members, and colleagues about cancer treatments and symptoms. They act as patient and family advocates, securing vital information; responding to urgent questions with quick and accurate answers; and helping individuals to maintain a maximum level of independence. Oncology nurses are leaders, working together to advance patient care on a daily basis.
With your partnership, the ONS Foundation will create
and maintain education and research opportunities
that play a vital role in supporting oncology nursing,
helping oncology nurses to provide the high quality,
specialized care that patients with cancer need -
now and in the future.
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