Celebrating Nurses Who Deliver Hope and Strength in Cancer Care
During Oncology Nurses Month, we celebrate and recognize the specialized nurses who care for patients across the cancer continuum and support patients and families across every stage of the cancer journey. With 1 in 3 people affected by cancer and over 18 million survivors, oncology nurses play a vital role in delivering expert care and compassionate support every day.
What Do Oncology Nurses Do?
Oncology nurses specialize in the care of patients with cancer across all stages from prevention and diagnosis to treatment, survivorship, and end-of-life care.
They provide expert clinical care, manage complex symptoms, administer therapies, educate patients and families, and offer emotional and psychosocial support.
Cancer Care & Oncology Nursing by the Numbers:
- 1 in 3
People will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime - 18+ Million
Cancer survivors in the United States - 100,000+
Oncology nurses in the U.S. - 30,000+
Certified oncology nurses - 2 Million+
New cancer cases diagnosed annually
The Impact of Oncology Nurses:
- Manage complex treatments including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies
- Monitor and manage side effects and oncologic emergencies
- Provide education and emotional support to patients and families
- Coordinate care across interdisciplinary teams
- Support survivorship and end-of-life care
Advancing Cancer Care Through Oncology Nursing:
- Help patients live longer and better by managing symptoms and improving quality of life
- Guide patients and families through screening, diagnosis, and prevention decisions
- Strengthen oncology nursing practice through ongoing education, certification, and evidence-based care
- Support patients in navigating complex treatments, decisions, and transitions across the cancer journey
- Safely administer and monitor advanced therapies such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted treatments
- Provide care across the entire cancer continuum, from diagnosis through survivorship or end-of-life care
- Coordinate care across multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless, patient-centered treatment
- Offer a consistent, trusted presence—supporting patients and families both clinically and emotionally
Sources:
Oncology Nursing Society
National Cancer Institute
