Breast Care Nursing in the World and Turkey

Abstract

In both Turkey and the world, breast cancer among women is the most diagnosed type of cancer. Breast care nursing in the world has evolved over the last 30 years in Australia, Canada, Europe, England, Ireland, the USA, Scandinavia and Benelux. International guidelines have required a breast care nurse to be involved in the multidisciplinary team to support patients with breast cancer. The European Expert Breast Cancer Association has stated that there is a need for at least two breast care nurses in a breast care center in the standards for the Specialist Breast Care Unit Requirements that were revised in 2013. In the UK, the Royal Nursing College was revised in 2017 in line with the guidelines of clinical practice standards. In Turkey, although the concept of breast care nursing is not settled, the opportunity for the nurses to specialize in the field of breast cancer care should be offered. Breast Care Nursing courses are organized by the Oncology Nurses Association. It is envisaged that this program to be approved by the Ministry of Health by providing the certification standards and that the dissemination in the state, university and private hospitals throughout the country will contribute to cancer care as cost-effective care.