Cancer screening in women with chronic illness: the unanswered questions

The literature offers conflicting results regarding whether the cancer screening needs of women with chronic illness are being met. Cancer screening in this population of women is in need of further investigation to address its cost effectiveness, the health care system's priority and management of screening the risks of cancer-related illness in women with co-morbidities, and the perceptions of the affected women. While other care providers are often focused on disease management, nurses who pride themselves with providing holistic care can take an active role in ensuring all women receive preventive health screening.