ABSTRACT
The major advances in cancer detection and treatment and the identification through genetic research of people at risk for cancer have changed many aspects of cancer care. As the success rate of earlier diagnosis and more effective cancer therapy increases, more individuals are finding that they are living with a cancer diagnosis. These same advances mean that fewer and fewer individuals will require an ostomy as part of their overall cancer management plan. For the individual who must have an ostomy, it becomes critical that the skills and techniques developed over the past decades continue to progress. The expertise of doctors in creating good stomas in ideal locations, the expertise of nurses in teaching patients and families fundamental care, the availability of support and self-help groups, and the development of state-of-the-art pouching systems are essential components to continued, improved quality care.
