The role of the nurse in skin cancer prevention, screening, and early detection

Abstract

T HE NURSE’S ROLE in skin cancer prevention, screening, and early detection is currently at a crossroads, in much the same way as the nursing profession itself is. There have been substantial changes in the role of the nurse during the past two decades,’ and it is clear that the nurse is now in a unique position to make contributions to the prevention and early diagnosis of skin cancer. use of sunscreens during the first 18 years of life would reduce nonmelanoma skin cancer by 78% and possibly reduce the incidence of melanoma. Behaviors such as avoidance of skin contact with chemicals and other forms of ionizing radiation also play a role in skin cancer prevention. This article focuses on methods of screening and early detection issues of importance to the nurse.