The impact of nurses' encounters with cancer on their attitudes towards the disease

Summary A study to develop understanding of nurses' knowledge, confidence and educational needs in relation to cancer care was undertaken. Data from this study on nurses' attitudes and the effect of professional encounters with cancer on such attitudes are presented. A cancer attitude scale was completed by 127 nurses, and 68 of the sample were interviewed in depth. Data presented reveal a pervasive negative attitude towards cancer amongst these nurses, and the important negative impact that professional encounters with cancer have on nurses' feelings about the disease. Data presented are taken from a larger study, which is reported elsewhere (Corner, 1990; Corner & Wilson‐Barnett, 1992).