Ethical issues confronting oncology nurses.

The focus of this article is the ethical dilemmas challenging oncology nurses and their patients. The cancer diagnosis itself may present ethical issues related to genetic testing, prevention and early detection, and information sharing. Cancer treatment options may involve considerations related to level of appropriate care, informed consent, patient education, and unproven, but promising, therapies. Finally, the ethical issues related to outcomes of the disease and treatment, such as pain control, advanced directives, do not resuscitate order, discontinuation of medically inappropriate care, euthanasia, and physician assisted suicide are discussed.