Dr. Ali Motlagh, President of the Iranian Society of Radiation Oncology, announced at the Oncology Nursing Congress held during the era of modern cancer treatments that approximately 200,000 new cancer cases are identified annually in the country. He emphasized that this concerning statistic requires attention and analysis due to factors such as the aging population and increased life expectancy.
Increase in Cancer Incidence and Treatment Challenges
Motlagh pointed out the prevalence of prostate, breast, and colorectal cancers, stating that cancer treatment is not limited to a single drug or method, and today a range of modern treatments including immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and ADCs are available to patients. He added: "The effectiveness of these methods becomes meaningful when timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment selection, and management of side effects are also carried out alongside them."
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The President of the Iranian Society of Radiation Oncology also emphasized the changing role of nurses in the treatment process, stating: "The role of the nurse in oncology is no longer limited to general care, and with the introduction of new treatments, the specialized oncology nurse has become one of the main pillars of safety and success in treatment."
Emphasis on Education and Specialization of Nurses
Motlagh continued: "Many side effects of new treatments begin with early symptoms, and timely identification of these can prevent the progression of side effects and the emergence of more severe conditions. Diagnosis and management of immunotherapy side effects and acute drug reactions require specialized knowledge and skills."
At this congress, Dr. Ali Taghizadeh, the scientific secretary of the congress, stated that the aim of holding it was to update the knowledge and skills of nurses in caring for cancer patients. He said: "The introduction of targeted therapies and immunotherapy has increased the complexity of patient care, and nurses must be familiar with how to prescribe treatments, potential side effects, and warning signs."
Taghizadeh emphasized the necessity of shifting nursing education from purely theoretical training to practical training, stating: "A nurse must know what symptoms to take seriously when dealing with a patient receiving immunotherapy or targeted treatment."
Dr. Soudeh Aristouei, the executive secretary of the congress, referred to the extensive changes in cancer treatment and said: "A new generation of targeted drugs and oral therapies is available to patients, making it essential for the treatment team to enhance their knowledge and skills."
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