Nursing's central role in the care of individuals with cancer: 1900-1940.
OBJECTIVE
To document the central role of nursing care in the continuum of cancer awareness, treatment, and palliation from 1900-1940.


METHODS
Primary sources were student nurses' lecture notes, hospitals' annual reports and other literature, and published materials of the period.


RESULTS
Throughout the years reviewed, the warning signs of many types of cancer were included in nurses' education. Nurses were integral to the care and well-being of individuals diagnosed with cancer.


CONCLUSIONS
In the first four decades of the 20th century, nursing care of individuals with cancer became increasingly technical and specialized. This article documents the nursing care that was practiced at the time. The issue of concealment of a cancer diagnosis affected nurses' care. Nurses were seen by the American Society for the Control of Cancer as key players in the public's awareness of cancer.


CONCLUSIONS
The care, skill, and knowledge of nurses were central to patients coping with a cancer diagnosis.
School of Nursing and Health Studies, Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL, USA. blusk@niu.edu
Brigid
B
Lusk
D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000266:history* / Q000451:nursing; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000266:history*; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000266:history*; D013527:Perioperative Nursing / Q000266:history*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000266:history / Q000451:nursing; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000266:history*