National Cancer CNS Day 2025

Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) are the heart of patient-centered care. Their expertise, compassion, and dedication make a world of difference to those facing a cancer diagnosis. On National Cancer CNS Day, it is so important to recognise and celebrate the incredible work our CNS staff do every single day.

But how did they get to where they are today?

This National Cancer CNS Day, we spoke to Alison Edwards (Lung) and Donna Lee (Upper GI) about their journey to becoming a CNS, and the valuable experience they've earned along the way.

“I hope that my career pathway shows people that there isn’t one single way to become a CNS” - Alison Edwards

"I can remember being in my final year of training as a nurse and working with CNSs and just thinking: that's what I want to do" - Donna Lee

"Our Clinical Nurse Specialist workforce make a real difference to the care and treatment we provide to our patients every day, and I wanted to say a massive thank you to everybody"

- Nicola Williams, Director of Nursing, AHP's & Healthcare Scientists