MESSAGE FROM THE EDITIOR-IN-CHIEF

Abstract

Nursing, as an integral part of the health care system that encompasses the promotion of health, prevention of illness, and care of physically ill, mentally ill, and disabled people of all ages, in all health care and other community settings.

As we know that cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells anywhere in a body. There are several types of cancer, usually named for the organs or tissues where the cancers form. The world has the highest incidence of this disease. World Cancer Day is observed each year on 4^th of February which aims to save millions of preventable deaths each year by raising awareness and spreading education about cancer and persisting governments and individuals across the world to act against the disease. This year’s theme, “I can, we can” acknowledges that everyone has the capacity to address the cancer burden. We can work together to reduce cancer risk factors. We can overcome barriers to early diagnosis, treatment and palliative care. We can work together to improve cancer control and achieve global targets to reduce premature mortality from cancer and other non-communicable diseases.

It is the nurses who are responsible for the safe and appropriate administration of cancer therapy medications (chemotherapy, biological therapy, targeted therapy and associated supportive medications) in accordance with legislative requirements, national standards and local policy. The primary purpose of celebrating this day is to reduce the number of cancer patients by 2020 and to reduce the death rate caused due to the disease.

The responsibility fully lies on the nurses while administering cancer therapy to a patient. It does not include self-administration by the patient. The oncology nurse plays a crucial part in ensuring each cancer patient is educated about their disease, its treatments and expected side effects.  They must ascertain the level of understanding for each patient and their families and then educate accordingly.  The oncology nurse must be sensitive to the patient’s needs and understanding. So, we must understand health is a human right and that right should apply equally to physical and mental health problems. Likewise, The Malaysian Journal of Nursing (MJN), being one of the leading journals around the world in the field of nursing, attempts to publish various articles relevant to various deadly diseases and nursing performance to produce best care for everyone.