Breast Cancer Care Nursing in Iran

Background: In the USA (2017), there are an estimated 252,710 new cases of invasive and 63,410 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer expected to be diagnosed in women. Although the incidence rate of breast cancer for Iranian women is low – about 24 in 100,000 – nowadays, more than 80% of breast cancer patients survive and are therefore confronted with the challenges of cancer survivorship. Breast cancer survivors have specific physical and emotional needs.Methods: This presentation is a narrative text that describes the roles and responsibilities of cancer care nurses. Breast cancer became a special field of cancer care in 2000. However, this specialty in nursing practice is not recognized in Iran. Breast cancer care nurses are responsive to and respectful of the needs, values, differences, and preferences of the patient.Conclusion: In recent decades, breast cancer incidence rates in Iran, as well as worldwide, have increased. Educated breast care nurses can provide essential support and information to empower women with breast cancer. Therefore, training nurses in breast cancer care is necessary. It is crucial that health policymakers provide and support a training program for nurses in the field of breast cancer care.