Role of the nurse practitioner in breast and cervical cancer prevention

Breast and cervical cancer claim the lives of more women in the U.S. each year than all other forms of cancer of the female reproductive tract combined. Early detection and aggressive treatment of these malignancies could save many women's lives, yet U.S. women often do not follow recommended screening guidelines. Nurse practitioners (NP) have important roles in primary and secondary prevention of breast and cervical cancer because their holistic perspective and advanced practice skills enable them to intervene for clients at all levels of health care. NPs are capable of not only assessing the health of their female clients, but also the system that serves client needs. They use their advanced knowledge and practice skills to educate women about cancer risk factors, and to initiate screening programs aimed at early detection and intervention. NPs monitor screening and treatment services extended to women clients, and promote high quality care by educating both professional and non-professional care givers to health care needs. Advocacy in behalf of women's health issues impacting breast and cervical cancer screening and care is an additional facet of the NP's role.