Legal issues in the early detection and monitoring of cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the legal and ethical issues involved in the detection/monitoring of cancer.


METHODS
Westlaw, Lexis, Medline, and legal and nursing literature.


CONCLUSIONS
The introduction of genetic predisposition to cancer has increased the legal and ethical issues associated with the detection of cancer.


CONCLUSIONS
The expanding role of nurses has opened up many exciting new roles in the area of early detection of cancer including genetic counseling. Along with the new opportunities comes increased legal liability and ethical controversies that oncology nurses must be aware of.
Frank-Stromborg
Marilyn
M
School of Nursing and College of Law, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA.
Ganschow
Jaime R
JR
D003219:Confidentiality; D004993:Ethics, Nursing; D005260:Female; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000379:methods; D028701:Patient Rights / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence