Cardio-oncology: A continually evolving subspecialty in oncology nursing

Cardio-oncology is a unique subspe- cialty within oncology nursing that focuses on the assessment, identifi- cation, and management of cardio- toxicity induced or exacerbated by cancer treatment. Nurses are pivotal to the delivery of evidence-based as- sessment of and care for individuals who have preexisting cardiac con- ditions, as well as those for whom cardiac complications are related to the known and emerging toxicities of cancer treatment. AT A GLANCE • Cardio-oncology is a continually evolving specialty in the field of oncology nursing. • Cardio-oncology is focused on the unique cardiac toxicities that are caused by, as well as pre- existing cardiac conditions that can be exacerbated by, a cancer diagnosis and its treatment. • As more patients receive care-both those with preex- isting cardiac conditions and those with known or newly discovered treatment-related cardiotoxicities-it is important for oncology nurses to understand the foundational principles of cardio-oncology care, as well as opportunities for subspecialty in this area.