Roles And Activities Of Nurses In Cancer Prevention And Early Detection In Low- And Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with a rapidly increasing burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). These countries face significant challenges in cancer control due to limited healthcare infrastructure and access to essential diagnostic tools. Nurses, as the largest workforce in healthcare systems, play a vital role in cancer prevention, early detection, and education. This scoping review explores the roles and activities of nurses in cancer prevention and early detection in LMICs, highlighting the diverse contributions, barriers, and opportunities for optimizing nursing involvement in cancer care. It was found that while nurses are central to health education, screening, early detection, and patient support, challenges such as limited training, inadequate resources, and sociocultural barriers often hinder their full potential.