The concept of cure in cancer care

The concept of cure is often used in health care practices without thought to the social, cultural and psychological implications of its meaning. Frequently measured in terms of years of disease-free survival, this measure is inadequate in evaluating treatment. Iatrogenic toxicities and illness implications may linger for many months or years after a person experiences cancer. The subcultural perspectives of cure for clinicians may be very different. Historically, the clinician's concept of cure has been the focus and reported outcome of cancer treatment and research. A more dynamic view is encouraged in exploring this concept in relation to the outcomes of nursing practice.