About Us

The Cancer Journey was created for patients and caregivers through the expertise and resources of the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS). Finding practical and reliable information to help guide healthcare decisions is a great challenge for patients with cancer and their caregivers. As a result, the Cancer Journey summarizes reviews of symptom management research based on available evidence. The information on this site was developed through the review, critique, and synthesis of scientific literature on treatments for specific patient outcomes in oncology and peer reviewed by ONS experts, including advanced practice nurses, staff nurses, and nurse scientists. This process ensures that the Cancer Journey’s content is current and based on the best professional expertise and research available. In addition, treatment information has been categorized based on the level and quality of research (Most Helpful, Likely to Be Helpful, May or May Not Be Helpful, Not Enough Evidence, Not Likely to Be Helpful, and Not Recommended).

What is ONS?

The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) is a professional organization of over 37,000 registered nurses and other healthcare providers dedicated to excellence in patient care, education, research, and administration in oncology nursing. It's also the largest professional oncology association in the world.

ONS traces its origin to the first National Cancer Nursing Research Conference, supported by the American Nurses Association and the American Cancer Society (ACS) in 1973. Following this conference, a small group of oncology nurses met to discuss the need for a national organization to support their profession. Since its official incorporation in 1975, ONS has become a leader in cancer care. It has grown to include 231 chapters and 27 special interest groups. It provides information and education to nurses around the world. In addition, the Society plays an active role in advocacy activities at the local, state, national, and international levels. The achievement of the Society's vision and mission is predicated on a belief in six core values.

ONS members are a diverse group of professionals who represent a variety of professional roles, practice settings, and subspecialty practice areas. Registered nurses, including staff nurses, advanced practice nurses, case managers, educators, researchers, and consultants, and other healthcare professionals, benefit from membership. The Society offers useful information and opportunities for nurses at all levels, in all practice settings, and in all subspecialties.