Cancer-induced bone disease.

A diagnosis of bone metastases may be devastating for patients with cancer because it suggests that the cancer is incurable and that patients are at increased risk of developing skeletal-related events. The optimal goal for these patients should be to maintain quality of life. Nurses have an important role in the care of patients with cancer-induced bone disease and need to have a good understanding of the effects of bone metastases to ensure prompt management of this condition.