Knowledge Level and Educational Needs of Turkish Oncology Nurses Regarding the Genetics of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer.

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated Turkish oncology nurses' knowledge and educational needs regarding genetics of hereditary breast and ovarian cancers.

METHOD: An online survey was used to collect data from 104 Turkish oncology nurses.

RESULTS

The mean level of knowledge in oncology genetics was 6.74 ± 3.85. The majority of nurses (78.7%) were aware of the fact that family history of ovarian or breast cancer is an important risk factor for ovarian or breast cancer; however, a much smaller percentage (25.5%) understood that BRCA1 mutations in women can be transferred by the father. The majority of the nurses (59.6%) were willing to take continuing education in cancer genetics.

CONCLUSION

Turkish oncology nurses have a moderate level of knowledge in cancer genetics. Therefore, educators should develop targeted educational activities in genetics as a part of continuing education programs to enhance nursing practice in cancer care. J Contin Educ Nurs. 2017;48(12):570-576.