According to the North Dakota Cancer Registry, an average of eight people are diagnosed with cancer every day in the state of North Dakota. The treatment and care of those diagnosed with cancer requires a dedicated team of healthcare providers, including nurses of oncology.

Oncology nurses are registered nurses who specialize in the care of cancer patients and their families. They provide essential care in cancer therapy, work in cancer research, and educate North Dakotans in cancer treatment and prevention.

In recognition of the essential work that these men and women perform, Governor John Hoeven declared May 4, 2006, to be ‘Oncology Nursing Day.’ That single day stands as a tribute to the important work oncology nurses perform every day to care for and comfort North Dakotans diagnosed with cancer.

Written by Lane Sunwall

Sources
North Dakota Department of Health, Division of Cancer Prevention & Control, "The North Dakota Cancer Registry" http://www.ndhealth.gov/cancerregistry/ (accessed 21 April 2008).
Nurses for a Healthier Tomorrow, "Oncology Nurse" http://www.nursesource.org/oncology.html (accessed 20 April 2008).
The State of North Dakota, "Proclamation: Oncology Nursing Day" http://governor.state.nd.us/proc/docs/2006/05/20060504a.pdf (accessed 20 April, 2008).

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