Role of Nurses in Coordinating, Educating, and Supporting Breast Cancer Patients

Nursing of Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract

Breast cancer continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, demanding timely diagnosis, comprehensive treatment, and coordinated care. Nurses play a critical role in bridging the gap between patients, healthcare teams, and the wider healthcare system. Their contributions span clinical management, psychosocial support, patient education, and public health initiatives, making them indispensable to high-quality breast cancer care [1, 2].

Specialist nurses provide targeted support throughout the cancer journey, addressing both physical and emotional needs. Patients consistently report that nurses offer clear communication, practical guidance, reassurance, and continuous availability, which reduces anxiety and improves overall well-being [3,4]. Beyond patient interaction, nurses contribute significantly to multi-disciplinary teams, coordinating planning, facilitating communication, and guiding the management of complex cases. They often introduce innovative solutions to navigate bureaucratic barriers and respond to patients’ and families’ immediate needs, demonstrating leadership and expertise within the clinical team.

Primary care nurses further enhance breast cancer control by promoting early detection and health education at the community level. Evidence from Brazil shows that nurses in primary health care programs conduct clinical breast examinations, recommend mammography, and provide educational activities, though gaps exist in alignment with official guidelines due to high workloads and limited training [5]. Ensuring nurses receive continuous professional development and structured guidance enables them to perform effective screening, follow-up, and patient counselling, thereby reducing delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Integrating specialist and primary care nursing roles is essential for delivering patient-centered breast cancer care. Nurses act as clinicians, educators, advocates, and coordinators, improving both individual patient outcomes and the efficiency of healthcare delivery. Studies consistently show that nurse-led interventions positively impact patient quality of life, promote early detection, and enhance team functioning [1,4].

Healthcare systems must recognize the value of nurses by providing structured protocols, ongoing training, and supportive working conditions. Positioning nurses at the core of breast cancer care enables the delivery of holistic, effective, and equitable services, ultimately improving survival rates and patient experiences. Investing in nursing roles not only strengthens clinical practice but also reinforces public health strategies, making nurses pivotal to advancing breast cancer care globally.