Preventing second cancers in cancer survivors.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To provide a systematic review of the secondary prevention practices of cancer survivors guided by the Interaction Model of Client Health Behavior. DATA SOURCES Articles published in peer-reviewed journals from 1996-2007. DATA SYNTHESIS Despite their increased risk for second cancers, few cancer survivors maintain regular follow-up with a clinician knowledgeable of late effects. Cancer screening rates for cancer survivors are below optimal levels recommended for the general population. Multiple antecedents explain survivors' health practices. Few tested interventions are available to promote secondary prevention practices among cancer survivors. CONCLUSIONS Cancer survivors are less likely to adopt secondary prevention practices than individuals without a cancer history. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Nurses can encourage cancer survivors to adopt secondary prevention practices by providing positive reinforcement, support, and education. As more comprehensive, evidence-based guidelines for longitudinal care become available, nurses will be able to provide care to survivors with greater confidence and certainty.