Nurses' role in cancer control.,Many cancers are preventable and curable, if detected early. As the largest group of healthcare professionals, nurses can play a significant role in the control of cancer. Therefore, the purpose of this discussion is to highlight ways nurses can contribute to the prevention and early detection of cancer. It is meant to stimulate nurses' own ideas about the specific role they can play in cancer control, regardless of practice setting.,Existing literature, professional practice.,Nurses have the ability to serve as change agents in strengthening cancer control within the systems they practice, regardless of the type of setting. Nurses can engage in a number of cancer control activities such as providing patient education on cancer risk, cancer prevention, and early detection, and in the development of policy in support of cancer control activities in practice.