Home care for women with gynecologic cancers

Gynecologic cancer is the fourth most prevalent cancer type in women worldwide. Being presented with a diagnosis of a gynecologic cancer is a traumatic event for women. The disease and its associated treatment commonly pose a threat not only to the life of such patients but also to their sexual health. Home care for patients with gynecologic cancer is an emerging concept in health care. This article discusses the major issues in the provision of home care to patients with gynecologic cancer. Nursing roles, including coordination of patient/family services, guidance and support, patient/family teaching, and direct care, are described. Specific at-home needs of patients with gynecologic cancer, such as nutrition, pain control, care during radiation and chemotherapy treatments, postoperative recovery and convalescence, and care of the terminally ill, are addressed.