Wednesday 26 April is ​​​​​​​National Cancer CNS Day

CNSs are senior nurses who have completed postgraduate qualifications and acquired specialist knowledge to support cancer patients. They hold regular clinics to support patients through their cancer diagnosis, treatments, and follow-up care sometimes for years afterwards.

• They are experts in cancer and usually cover one type of cancer only, due to the complexity of the disease and its treatments
• They act as the patient’s key worker, providing information about their type of cancer, treatment options and possible side effects
• They offer practical and emotional support and act as the patient’s advocate
• CNS’ often run nurse-led clinics, working alongside the multi-professional team to provide treatments and symptom management support
• CNS’ work with patients who have been admitted to hospital unwell due to their cancer or its treatment – this is called the Acute Oncology Service
• CNS’ support patients when their cancer is not curable and into end of life- this is the palliative care service

National Cancer CNS Day aims to shine a light on Cancer CNS roles and encourage prospective and current nursing staff to consider specialising in cancer care.