National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Day 2025

At the start of 2025, Macmillan published new data which shows that the number of people living with cancer in the UK has surged to almost 3.5 million, the highest figure ever reported for the UK (i). There will be half a million more people living with cancer in 2025 than there were five years ago, and this number will continue to grow.

Standing proudly side-by-side with the growing number of people with cancer is a dedicated group of professionals who provide medical expertise and crucial emotional and practical support: cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists (cancer CNSs). These specialists are the linchpin of cancer care, and their importance cannot be overstated.

Cancer CNSs are registered nurses who have undergone extensive specialised training in oncology. Their role requires them to undertake a vast variety of responsibilities: they are advocates, navigators, and a consistent source of support throughout the often-uncertain cancer experience.

From diagnosis to treatment and beyond, they offer expert advice, manage complex symptoms, coordinate care between different medical teams, and provide a compassionate ear during times of immense vulnerability.

The cancer CNSs is there, a steady presence, helping patients understand their options, manage side effects, and cope with the emotional rollercoaster that cancer brings for many. They do this whilst being acutely aware that outcomes vary drastically depending on factors like socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and geographical location.

Patients from these different communities often face barriers to early diagnosis, experience variations in treatment options, and lack access to crucial support services. Cancer CNSs know this disparity is unacceptable and an urgent challenge to be addressed.

Cancer CNSs are often the first point of contact for many patients following their diagnosis and they see first-hand the impact of social determinants of health on cancer outcomes. They advocate for their patients, trying to bridge the gaps in access and ensure that everyone, regardless of who they are or where they live, receives the best possible care.

They strive to understand the nuances of individual need, whether it's language barriers, cultural sensitivities, or simply the need for someone to listen with empathy or translate complex medical jargon into easy-to-understand information.

Research has also shown that cancer patients in England who are supported by a specialist cancer nurse are more likely to have good experiences of care (ii) and also an improved chance of survival (iii), particularly for those with bowel and breast cancer.

The impact of a cancer CNS extends beyond the individual patient. They provide invaluable support to families, who are often struggling to understand the illness and how to provide the best possible care for their loved ones. Cancer CNSs offer education, resources, and a listening ear, helping families navigate the challenges and uncertainties of cancer care.

Given the sheer number of people living with cancer in the UK, the demand for cancer CNSs is immense, and it's crucial that we encourage more nurses to specialise in this vital field.

As cancer rates continue to rise, and the health systems creak under the pressure, the need for skilled and compassionate cancer CNSs will only grow.

By choosing this specialisation, nurses can play a critical role in ensuring that everyone affected by cancer receives the comprehensive, holistic care they deserve. We must recognise the invaluable contributions of cancer CNSs and encourage more nurses to join the ranks.

Help us celebrate National Cancer CNS day

Download our toolkit and help spread awareness of the impact that cancer CNSs have on people living with cancer.