News

CNSA members are encouraged to take part in a national evaluation of the Australian Cancer Nursing and Navigation Program (ACNNP) and the Cancer Patient Support Program (CPSP). These Programs are designed to improve access to information, navigation and wrap-around support for people impacted by cancer, and to integrate seamlessly with existing health services.

Planning is well underway for our 28th Annual Congress, taking place in Perth from 17–19 June, and it is shaping up to be the must-attend event on the cancer nursing calendar. We are delighted to announce our first keynote speakers Professor Kim Alexander, Professor Mei Krishnasamy and Daniel Johnstone (consumer and PhD Candidate), who will set the stage for an outstanding Congress program.

We're thrilled to open applications for the 2026 Mentoring Program, offering a unique opportunity for early-career cancer nurses across Australia to connect with experienced mentors and grow both professionally and personally.

This January we're excited to offer 15 months of CNSA membership for the price of 12* - valid right through to 31 March 2027.

In collaboration with Flinders University, CNSA is currently developing a capabilities framework for Australian Cancer Nurses. If you would like to participate in the Delphi study to obtain expert consensus and have not yet received an invitation through previous consultations, you can still express interest in being involved.

The Australian Government has announced $1 million to fund projects that build stronger networks between cancer services in outer metropolitan, regional, rural, and remote communities, and larger metropolitan centres.

We are pleased to advise that the Ordinary Resolution to extend the terms of office for three current Directors by one year — allowing each to serve up to seven consecutive years if re-elected — was passed by a majority vote.

CNSA's ever popular Tune in Tuesday series will start up again in February 2026 - with a range of practical, conversational evidence-based professional development available for members across the country. 

We are pleased to share the release of the Nursing and Midwifery Research Career Framework (NMRCF), an important new resource from the Council of Deans of Nursing and Midwifery (Australia and New Zealand) that strengthens the bridge between clinical practice and research.

Have you submitted yours yet? We invite all cancer nurses, researchers, educators and healthcare professionals to contribute to the 2026 program and share the incredible work happening across Australia.

Thanks to everyone who joined the 2025 Cancer Nursing 101 series! Your participation, questions and engagement made it a vibrant learning community. If you haven’t had the chance yet, now’s a great time to dive back in, catch up on missed sessions, and get ready for 2026.

We’re excited to share that our next CNSA Mentoring Program is just around the corner — with applications opening in mid-January 2026 and only 20 places available for early-career cancer nurses across Australia.

Looking to complete your Post Grad qualification in Cancer Nursing? The McGrath Foundation is offering 15 individual scholarships to the wider cancer nursing workforce to support the completion of a Graduate Certificate in Advanced Clinical Nursing - Cancer Nursing, offered at Monash University.

CNSA is proud to announce the launch of a new Gastro-intestinal Cancers Community of Practice (CoP), developed in partnership with Bowel Cancer Australia, Pancare Foundation, and the Gastro-intestinal Cancer Nurses Network (GICaNN).

Don't miss out on our next Rare Cancers CoP meeting with respected bioethicist and public health scientist, Dr Evie Kendall, as she uncovers Challenging Conversations in Unfunded Therapy.

Although asbestos use was banned decades ago, the legacy of exposure continues to emerge in our hospitals and cancer care settings. November is Asbestos Awareness Month - a timely reminder that asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis remain very real health concerns.

To improve the care and experience of older people with cancer across Australia, an Optimal Care Pathway (OCP) is now available to ensure older patients receive the right care, at the right time, in the right place. The OCP is a framework for the delivery of consistent, safe, high-quality, and evidence-based care for older people with cancer, covering every step from prevention and early detection through to recovery, living with a chronic disease, or end-of-life-care.

Our State Groups work incredibly hard to deliver meaningful and accessible education. In the past month, we've covered 12 locations across four dinners, with popular hybrid events in SA and QLD delivering for regional and remote areas. From melanoma to brain cancer, and colorectal to lung cancer, these recent events created real opportunities to learn from one another, connect locally, and share experiences.

The Australian Government has launched the National Cancer Data Framework, marking a major step forward in improving accessibility, consistency and comprehensiveness of cancer data in Australia. Developed by Cancer Australia in partnership with Cancer Council Australia and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the National Cancer Data Framework sets the strategic direction and priorities for collecting, managing and using comprehensive cancer data.

Notice is hereby given that an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the Cancer Nurses Society of Australia Ltd will be held as above. The purpose of this meeting is to consider and, if thought fit, pass an ordinary resolution to extend the terms of office for three current Directors by one year to restore the intended rotational cycle and ensure governance continuity.

CNSA’s podcast, Nursing Excellence in Cancer Care, continues to shine a light on the expertise and innovation that defines our profession. To build on its impact, we are launching a new initiative - member-led podcast reviews -and we’d love you to be part of it.

For some people, their career path is clear from the start. For others, it takes a little time to find the right fit. For Justin Hargreaves, it turned out to be nursing - and then, very quickly, cancer care.

CNSA, in collaboration with the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) is developing a Position Statement on the Role of Nurses in Cancer Survivorship Care. We are now seeking feedback from members on the draft statement. Your voice is essential to ensure this reflects real-world practice and the needs of our profession and the people we care for.

Last week, CNSA CEO Jemma Still represented our organisation at NEXT Australia, bringing an important message to industry leaders: to improve patient outcomes, nurses must be engaged early, valued properly, and invested in meaningfully.

Read this Message from the President for important updates on how we are tracking against our Strategic Plan, our investments, and future focuses.

CNSA is delighted to welcome Dr Pammie Ellem RN MN PhD CDec as our new Education Manager. A respected leader in cancer nursing education, research and practice, Pammie brings a wealth of experience that will help us expand our continuing professional development (CPD) offerings and strengthen education pathways for cancer nurses across Australia.

Sometimes, mums really do know best — even if it takes us a while to admit! Though nursing wasn’t her first choice (despite her mum’s encouragement), Nicole is now an accomplished cancer nurse, researcher, and leader who wouldn’t have it any other way.

The Australian Government is proceeding with changes to Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) telehealth items for nurse practitioners (NPs), aligning them with the eligible telehealth practitioner criteria used for other health professionals. These changes will take effect from 1 November 2026.

Have you submitted yours yet? EOIs for the Pre-Congress Symposiums (full-day and half-day) and Concurrent Sessions for the 28th CNSA Annual Congress are now open.

We’re thrilled to be heading back to Perth for the first time since 2015! Join us from 17 - 19 June as we bring the best of cancer nursing to the West Coast, while also learning from the incredible expertise of local clinicians and researchers.