The aim of this lecture is to examine the important role of palliative care in cancer control efforts and explore the essential role of nurses in providing that care. Key principles and strategies for delivering quality palliative care will be discussed.

This talk outlines the most common male and female sexual difficulties that arise as a direct or indirect consequence of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Factors affecting clinical assessment and health professional/patient communication about treatment-induced sexual difficulties will then be explored. The biomedical, behavioural and other therapeutic strategies available to improve sexual rehabilitation after cancer treatment will also be addressed in detail. Finally, theoretical, practical and evidence-based approaches are combined, thus offering an integrated approach to comprehensively address this often neglected yet important aspect of cancer survivorship.

Nurses practice in many settings and are at front line, delivering care which is safe, effective and holistic. With the influx of emerging therapies, it is important for oncology nurses to adapt themselves to this increased demand for care and therefore nursing leadership is paramount. This session discusses current nursing scenario in developed and developing countries, challenges faced by oncology nurses, new leadership styles, nursing empowerment and few strategies to improve nursing leadership in cancer care.