Nurses' recognition of the mental state of cancer patients and their own stress management - a study of Japanese cancer-care nurses.

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to describe Japanese oncology nurses' self-reported ability to assess and care for cancer patients' mental health. A secondary aim was to describe nurses' self-reported stress levels and need for stress management related to caring for oncology patients.

Methods: This cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted from September to November 2010 among cancer-care nurses participating in mental healthcare training.