CON(C) Oncology key terms

The range of roles, activities, and responsibilities that a nurse is legally and professionally permitted to perform, defined by legislation, regulatory bodies, and institutional policy. It varies by jurisdiction and must be verified before undertaking new tasks.

The process by which a registered nurse transfers the performance of a specific task to another team member while retaining accountability for the outcome. It requires assessing the patient, the task, and the delegate's competence, and providing clear instructions and supervision.

The degree of care and skill that a reasonably prudent nurse with similar training would provide in similar circumstances. It serves as the legal benchmark for evaluating nursing practice and is shaped by guidelines, policies, and expert consensus.

Actions taken to prevent the onset of cancer in healthy individuals, such as avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, and receiving recommended vaccinations. These measures reduce cancer incidence before any disease process begins.

Screening and early detection activities aimed at identifying cancer at an early, more treatable stage in asymptomatic individuals. Examples include mammography, colonoscopy, and Pap testing. The goal is to reduce mortality through timely intervention.

Interventions that reduce complications and improve quality of life for people living with cancer, including rehabilitation, survivorship care, and symptom management. It focuses on limiting disability and preventing recurrence or secondary cancers.

The multistep process by which normal cells acquire genetic and epigenetic changes that lead to uncontrolled growth and cancer. It typically involves initiation, promotion, and progression, and may be driven by environmental exposures, inherited mutations, or random errors.

A gene that, when mutated or overexpressed, promotes cancer by driving cell proliferation or survival. Oncogenes often arise from normal proto-oncogenes and act dominantly, meaning a change in one copy can contribute to malignant transformation.

A gene that normally restrains cell growth or promotes DNA repair and apoptosis. Loss of function in both copies (often through mutation or deletion) removes these brakes and increases cancer risk. Examples include TP53 and BRCA1.

The spread of cancer cells from the primary tumor to distant organs through blood, lymph, or direct seeding. It involves invasion, survival in circulation, extravasation, and growth in a new microenvironment, and is a major cause of cancer morbidity and mortality.

A system that describes how much cancer cells differ from normal cells under a microscope, reflecting the tumor's aggressiveness. Higher grades generally indicate faster growth and poorer differentiation. Grading is distinct from staging, which describes anatomic extent.

The systematic assessment of cancer extent, including tumor size, lymph node involvement, and distant spread, usually according to the TNM system. Stage guides prognosis, treatment selection, and clinical trial eligibility, and is distinct from grading.

A staging framework that records the primary tumor (T), regional lymph nodes (N), and distant metastases (M). Each category is assigned a number or letter, and the combination determines the overall stage, which informs treatment and prognosis.

The degree to which cancer cells resemble the normal tissue from which they arose. Well-differentiated tumors retain some normal features and tend to grow more slowly, while poorly differentiated or undifferentiated tumors are more aggressive and less responsive to some treatments.

The use of cytotoxic drugs that interfere with cell division or DNA synthesis to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells. It is often given systemically and can affect normal tissues, causing side effects such as myelosuppression, mucositis, and alopecia.

The use of high-energy radiation to damage cancer cell DNA and inhibit growth. It can be delivered externally or internally and is often combined with surgery or chemotherapy. Side effects are typically localized to the treated area.

A treatment approach that harnesses or modifies the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Examples include immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy, and monoclonal antibodies. It can produce immune-related adverse events that require prompt recognition.

Drugs that inhibit specific molecular targets involved in cancer growth, such as mutated kinases or overexpressed receptors. These agents tend to be more selective than traditional chemotherapy but can still cause distinct toxicities, including skin rash and diarrhea.

Suppression of bone marrow activity that reduces production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It is a common effect of chemotherapy and can lead to anemia, infection, and bleeding. Monitoring blood counts and recognizing nadir timing are essential.

The lowest point of blood cell counts after chemotherapy, typically occurring 7 to 14 days after administration depending on the regimen. During this period, the patient is most vulnerable to infection and bleeding, so monitoring and education are critical.

Painful inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes lining the digestive tract, commonly caused by chemotherapy or radiation. It can impair nutrition and increase infection risk. Regular oral assessment and preventive oral care are key nursing interventions.

The accidental leakage of vesicant or irritant chemotherapy drugs from a vein into surrounding tissue, which can cause severe tissue damage and necrosis. Prevention includes careful venipuncture and monitoring, and management requires stopping the infusion and following protocol.

A substance that can cause blistering, tissue necrosis, or severe damage if it leaks out of a vein during administration. Vesicant chemotherapy requires special precautions, such as central venous access and vigilant monitoring during infusion.

A life-threatening condition in which a patient with a low neutrophil count develops a systemic infection. Fever may be the only sign. It requires urgent assessment, cultures, and prompt administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics according to protocol.

The presence of fever (often defined as a single oral temperature of 38.3°C or higher, or 38.0°C or higher sustained over one hour) in a patient with severe neutropenia. It is an oncologic emergency requiring immediate medical evaluation and empiric antibiotics.

A metabolic emergency caused by rapid breakdown of cancer cells, often after starting treatment for bulky or highly responsive tumors. It leads to hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hyperuricemia, and hypocalcemia, which can cause renal failure and arrhythmias.

An oncologic emergency in which a tumor or metastasis presses on the spinal cord, causing pain, weakness, sensory loss, or bowel and bladder dysfunction. Early recognition and urgent imaging and treatment are essential to preserve neurologic function.

A complication in which the superior vena cava is obstructed by tumor or thrombosis, leading to facial swelling, distended neck veins, and respiratory distress. It can be a medical emergency, especially with airway compromise, and requires prompt evaluation.

An inflammatory side effect caused by immunotherapy that can affect any organ, such as colitis, hepatitis, pneumonitis, or endocrinopathies. Early recognition and prompt corticosteroid treatment are important to prevent serious complications.

An unpleasant emotional, psychological, social, or spiritual experience that can interfere with a patient's ability to cope with cancer and its treatment. It is assessed as a vital sign in oncology and managed through screening and supportive interventions.

A state in which a person experiences a disruption in their sense of meaning, purpose, or connection, often triggered by illness. It may manifest as anger, hopelessness, or questioning of beliefs, and requires compassionate assessment and referral to appropriate resources.

The cognitive and behavioral efforts a person uses to manage the demands of a stressful situation such as cancer. Coping may be problem-focused or emotion-focused, and nurses can support adaptive strategies and identify maladaptive patterns.

An approach that improves quality of life for patients and families facing serious illness by preventing and relieving suffering through early identification, assessment, and treatment of pain and other physical, psychosocial, and spiritual problems. It is appropriate at any stage of illness.

A model of care focused on comfort and quality of life for people with a terminal illness and their families, typically when curative treatment is no longer pursued. It includes symptom management, emotional support, and bereavement care.

A process of discussion and documentation in which a person clarifies their values, goals, and preferences for future medical care, often including advance directives and health care proxy designation. It helps ensure care aligns with the patient's wishes.

The phase of care that focuses on the health and well-being of people after active cancer treatment. It includes surveillance for recurrence, management of late effects, health promotion, and coordination of care, often guided by a survivorship care plan.

The care provided during the final phase of life, focusing on comfort, dignity, and support for the patient and family. It includes symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, and bereavement care, and aligns with the patient's goals.

A collaborative process in which clinicians and patients exchange information about options, benefits, risks, and patient values to reach a mutually agreed treatment decision. It respects patient autonomy and improves informed consent and adherence.

A planned process of teaching patients and families about their condition, treatment, self-management, and symptom recognition. Effective education uses clear language, teach-back, and culturally appropriate materials to improve outcomes and safety.

Interventions that help patients develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to manage their health after cancer, including symptom monitoring, medication adherence, lifestyle changes, and knowing when to seek help. It is a core component of survivorship and chronic care.