QUATERNARY PREVENTION AND NURSING APPROACH IN CANCER
Abstract
Quaternary prevention; is an action taken to protect individuals (persons/patients) from medical
interventions that are likely to cause more harm than benefit. In the prevention, diagnosis and
treatment stages of cancer, which threatens human health all over the world and its incidence
is rapidly increasing, individuals may be harmed due to excessive screening or overtreatment.
Iatrogenic damage due to drug treatments for cancer prevention; possible side effects due to
radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormonal treatments and immunotherapies; drug interactions;
various complications and medical errors due to unconscious and uncontrolled use of complementary
and alternative therapies are situations that nurses should consider within the scope of quaternary
protection in cancer. Nurses should ensure the active participation of individuals in the cancer
prevention, diagnosis and treatment process in accordance with their advocacy role; establish a
healthy communication and trust relationship with individuals; be aware of the legal rights of
patients and help protect their rights; include quaternary protection in routine nursing practices to
prevent harm to individuals.
Author(s)
Füsun UZGÖR
Ayşe ÖZKARAMAN
