Medical Care as a Public Health Function

Increasing nursing involvement in cancer prevention and control among the economically disadvantaged: the nursing challenge

The American Cancer Society sponsored a series of hearings to document the magnitude of the problems faced by the poor in seeking cancer care. The findings reflected that economically disadvantaged Americans are often forced to accept substandard health care services and face numerous problems when seeking preventive care and treatment. The glimpse from inside the circle of poverty (statements from the hearings) provides an opportunity to better understand the problems faced by the poor in accessing health care and to better recommend strategies for effecting a positive change.