Table 1.

Articles and methodological approaches.

Study (country)	Key points	Design and sample	Notes and discussion
Dedeli et al, 2016 (Turkey) [20]	Generally, there was a positive attitude toward cancer. Nurses who had more experience with cancer care and who had more experience in caring for patients with cancer showed attitudes that are more positive.	Descriptive; sample of 332 nurses; used Turkish version of the attitudes toward cancer scale	Recommendation was that experienced nurses should care for patients with cancer.
Cunningham & Bater 2017 (United Kingdom) [4,5]	In this study, 2 sets of participants’ attitudes in 2003-2004 and 2016-2017 are compared. Current nursing students exhibited positive attitudes in cancer care.	Convenience sample of 152 students in 2003 and 154 students in 2016; questionnaire provided and optional interview taken	In second study, mentoring and clinical experience are more common and more positive attitudes were noted in second cohort.
Edwards et al, 2016a (United Kingdom) [6]	Two key findings in this study are (1) students were interested in meeting patients with cancer outside clinical environment and (2) lecture and practical experience with clinicians and patients are important for developing confidence and competence of students in cancer care.	Descriptive, explorative, and qualitative design; semistructured interviews with 12 student nurses and 7 stakeholders. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using content analysis.	This study helped support the need for further development of cancer education experiences for nursing students based on the responses and themes identified through the research study.
Edwards et al, 2016b (United Kingdom) [7]	Study evaluates undergraduate curriculum content on cancer education.	Intervention study had two groups: 84 participants in intervention group and 91 in comparison group. Pre-post test was administered.	Study found that new model to deliver cancer education may improve knowledge, attitude, and confidence regarding cancer by student nurse population in study. Study recommends further development and research.
Felton et al, 1981 (United States of America) [8]	Purpose of the study was to measure attitudes toward cancer pre and posteducation intervention.	Pre- and posteducation sample of 545 nurses and nursing students on cancer attitude survey	Study supports need for educators to identify attitudes and plan education to help support positive attitudes.
Hsu et al, 2019 (Taiwan) [25]	Study supports implementing education intervention to increase nursing student knowledge, confidence, and skill in cancer care.	Random study with 213 students using 2 group pretest and posttest surveys.	One group received outcome-based program with simulated exercises and the control group had objective-based education, which was traditional design. Experimental group had educator with more experience and outcome-based simulation included.
Kapucu et al, 2018 (Turkey) [10]	Nursing students felt working with patients with cancer was difficult.	Focus groups with 61 participants and survey questionnaire with 129 participants; mixed methods study	Authors recommend additional research and focus on cancer care and ways to support patients with cancer.
Kav et al, 2013 (Turkey) [2]	Nursing students felt care was difficult and expressed fear and uncertainty in caring for patients with cancer.	Described study with questionnaire n=167 and 2 focus groups of nursing students as participants	Student participants suggested need for additional orientation and clinical placement to prepare for cancer patient care. Mentors were helpful including preceptors and nurses in learning to care for patients with cancer.
Powell et al, 2019 (Canada) [11]	The students had an observation experience in their first year nursing before clinical experience to help learn about cancer and perspectives of cancer care.	Qualitative: 10 first-year nursing students participated in individual semistructured interviews	This study felt that low-risk observation experience was an opportunity for students to learn about cancer care and nursing roles in treating cancer.
Sharour et al, 2017 (Jordan) [12]	Age was noted as an influencing factor in the participants’ attitude, as younger study participants had more negative attitudes toward cancer and death and dying patients with cancer. Less experienced students had more negative attitude and responses.	Descriptive study with 100 nursing students participating; one time survey of students on Frommelt Attitude toward care of the dying scale and death attitude profile-revised scale	Study conclusions note that training and education can help support knowledge and attitudes. Nurses in the study with more experience and training had more positive attitudes noted.