Newly diagnosed cancer patients need surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. The demand for oncology nurses has increased due the increased number of patients requiring surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Since many cancer patients require radiotherapy, appropriately equipped facilities will be needed along with oncology nurses. Many hospitals in the private sector are investing on expanding their services and setting up specialised Oncology wards and bringing in radiotherapy equipment such as linear accelerators to treat the ever-growing numbers of patience battling cancer in Sri Lanka. This course will contribute to the training of such nurses to manage the ever-growing patient numbers whilst providing everyone the best possible care available in par with international standards.
This course was designed with a view to integrate the concept of holistic care of the individual struggling with cancer and address their concerns in their health patterns. It will explore the effects of cancer on the quality of life of a person, the different theories and conceptual models, clinical implications, cancer survivorship, and how to improve the quality of life of oncology clients.