News

With the introduction of the Australian Cancer Nursing Capability Framework (AusCaN), as educators, we have an important opportunity for collective reflection, partnership and collaboration, and to ensure that our vital education and training pathways continue to support contemporary cancer nursing practice.

“Your knowledge changes treatment. Your compassion changes experiences.” Cancer nurses are often the constant presence through some of the most uncertain moments in a person’s life. Following Cancer Nurses Day, CNSA Legal Supporter Slater and Gordon Lawyers reflects on the impact of Australia’s strong, skilled and specialised cancer nursing workforce.

CNSA welcomes the launch of the National Nursing Workforce Strategy - a vision to grow, support and retain Australia's nursing workforce and a framework for collective action to tackle workforce challenges and create opportunities for nurses to continue delivering high-quality care.

There’s still time to get more involved with CNSA - but not much! Applications to join our State Group Committees and Specialist Practice Network close this Friday, 21 August at 5pm AEST.

On Thursday 13 August, cancer nurses and their teams came together across Australia to celebrate, connect and recognise the incredible contribution of our profession. From morning teas and team lunches to decorations, photo walls, awards and moments of recognition, we loved seeing Cancer Nurses Day come to life in so many different ways - and in workplaces and communities right across the country.

On Cancer Nurses Day, the Cancer Nurses Society of Australia is calling for greater recognition of cancer nurses as strong, skilled and specialised professionals who are central to the delivery of high-quality cancer care.

As I mark my first Cancer Nurses Day as President of the Cancer Nurses Society of Australia, I feel incredibly proud to recognise the extraordinary contribution cancer nurses make to the lives of people affected by cancer across Australia.

In her latest article, Dr Carla Thamm shares the story behind AusCaN, from building on the legacy of EdCaN to creating a contemporary Framework that reflects the breadth and complexity of cancer nursing today.

Cancer Nurses Day is fast approaching, and we're excited to see so many organisations across Australia already planning their celebrations.

If you've been looking for an opportunity to become more involved with CNSA, now is the time.

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has released the initial draft of the 3rd Edition of the NSQHS for consultation

The Cancer Nurses Society of Australia is delighted to announce that Ellen Heywood will continue in her role as Vice President.

The Cancer Nurses Society of Australia is delighted to welcome Professor Gemma McErlean as our new President.

As the Australian Cancer Nursing Capability Framework (AusCaN) is introduced across the profession, one of the most common questions is: What is the difference between capability and competency? While the terms are often used interchangeably, they describe different aspects of professional practice.

Last week we were proud to launch the Australian Cancer Nursing Capability Framework - AusCaN - a shared national standard for the cancer nursing workforce, supporting every nurse to deliver their best. Developed through a collaborative partnership between CNSA and Flinders University, AusCaN defines the knowledge, skills and professional behaviours expected of nurses working in cancer care across Australia.

CNSA is proud to congratulate the recipients of the 2026 CNSA Annual Congress Grant Program. Through this program, we invest in nurses who are committed to improving cancer care while building knowledge and expertise that benefits the wider profession.

At the recent Annual Congress, Anne Mellon stepped down as CNSA President. Throughout her term, Anne provided exceptional leadership during a period of significant opportunity for cancer care in Australia. Her collaborative approach was evident through the strong relationships she built across the sector, particularly during the implementation of the Australian Cancer Plan and the establishment of the Australian Cancer Nursing and Navigation Program.

CNSA is delighted to announce that Catherine Johnson AM was recently awarded Life Membership, recognising more than three decades of exceptional leadership, service and contribution to cancer nursing in Australia and internationally.

One of the highlights of Congress each year is the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of cancer nurses through the CNSA Congress Awards.

At the CNSA Annual General Meeting on 19 June the results of the recent online Board election were announced, and we warmly welcomed three newly elected Directors to the CNSA Board. This refreshed Board will continue to guide CNSA’s strategic direction and strengthen our impact for cancer nurses across Australia.

Thanks to our partnership with MooGoo Skincare, eight outstanding cancer nurses have been awarded a combined $34K in scholarship funding to support their post graduate study and professional development.

CNSA’s webinar program continues to deliver practical, relevant and timely education for cancer nurses across Australia. Recent sessions have explored a wide range of topics, from emerging therapies and genomic testing through to survivorship, delirium and the vital role nurses play in clinical trials. The last six webinars reflect the breadth and depth of cancer nursing practice, and the many ways nurses support safe, informed, person-centred care across the cancer continuum. If you missed any of these sessions, now is a great time to watch them back on demand.

CNSA's Annual General Meeting will be held in person at the 28th CNSA Annual Congress in Perth on Friday 19 June 2026 at 8:30am AWST.

The inaugural Survivorship Community of Practice (CoP) has officially launched, bringing together cancer nurses from across Australia for a vibrant and highly interactive discussion focused on survivorship care and shared learning.

Have you voted yet? This is a valuable opportunity for you, as a CNSA member, to shape the future of our organisation by voting for the individuals you believe will best represent and lead our cancer nursing community. There are seven candidates nominating for three vacant Board positions. If you haven't yet received an email or text with instructions on how to vote, please get in touch with us!

The Hon. Dr Jim Chalmers handed down a budget which ‘rebalances the tax system’, framed as a legacy budget focused on reform and long-term stability. It arrives at a time of local cost-of-living focus, amid global conflict and fuel uncertainty. Health emerged as one of the comparatively stronger portfolios in a tight budget. The budget focuses on interventions across aged care, disability and health, building a stronger Medicare, preventative health, and reforms to the National Disability Insurance Scheme - but disappointingly no funding for the National Nursing Workforce Strategy, which should be a key priority for the government to implement the recommendations of the Cormack Review into the scope of practice and enable and fund more nurse-led models of care.

Nominations are now open to join our Education and Research Standings Committees, along with two new committees focused on Advocacy and Early Career.

Occupational cancer claims are an important but often misunderstood area of patient support. For cancer nurses, having a clear understanding of when a patient may be eligible for compensation, and how to address common misconceptions, can make a meaningful difference in patient care and advocacy.

Connection, shared experience and practical learning sit at the heart of CNSA’s Communities of Practice. In April, a record six CoPs came together, creating space for cancer nurses across the country to exchange insights, explore emerging challenges and learn from one another in a supportive, peer-led environment.

Cancer Nurses Day is more than just an annual date on the calendar - it's a moment to recognise and celebrate the incredible work being done by the 8,200 cancer nurses nationwide and champion their remarkable contributions to improving patient outcomes in Australia.