Prognostic information in breast cancer care: helping patients utilize important information

The Oncology Nursing Society's (ONS's) position on quality cancer care states that "quality cancer care incorporates the individual with cancer (and the family) as fully informed partners and decision makers" (ONS, 1997). Patients diagnosed with breast cancer are inundated with information, and oncology nurses help these patients receive quality cancer care by providing and explaining information related to their diagnosis and treatment. This information allows patients to participate in meaningful collaborative decision making. Prognostic tumor markers have provided information that can determine the natural history of breast cancer, identify women with high-risk or aggressive tumors, and help to establish a disease prognosis.