Nursing aspects in oncology and stress on those affected

According to Statistics Austria's cancer prognosis the number of new cancer cases has risen across Austria in recent decades. In order to understand the experiences and stresses of patients relatives and carers during cancer treatment this paper provides an overview of the accompanying symptoms. It also explains communication in oncology psycho-oncology and coping strategies for dealing with the disease. Finally it presents the Austrian Haematological Oncology Nursing Group (AHOP) which has made a significant contribution to establishing and expanding expertise in oncological nursing in Austria.