05 Mar 2026

New Cancer Australia report highlights the future of the cancer workforce

Cancer Australia has released a new report following the Understanding the Cancer Workforce Workshop, a national consultation that brought together leaders from across the cancer sector, including representatives from CNSA. The workshop explored the growing pressures on the cancer workforce and the changes needed to ensure Australia can continue to deliver high-quality cancer care into the future.

The report provides a timely overview of the challenges facing cancer services, as well as opportunities to strengthen the workforce through new models of care, better data, and stronger collaboration across disciplines. For cancer nurses, the findings reinforce the critical role nursing plays in delivering safe, coordinated and patient-centred care across the cancer continuum, with key insights indicating:

Demand for cancer care is increasing and becoming more complex

Australia’s ageing population, earlier cancer detection, and improved survival rates mean more people are living longer with cancer and its long-term effects. This is increasing demand for ongoing monitoring, survivorship care and management of complex comorbidities. Nurses are central to supporting patients through these extended care pathways, particularly in coordinating care, managing symptoms and supporting long-term survivorship.

Workforce shortages are being felt on the ground

While national workforce projections may suggest growth in some specialist roles, many workshop participants highlighted a different reality in clinical settings. Shortages of specialists, particularly in rural and regional areas, can destabilise services and place additional pressure on existing teams. For nurses, this highlights the importance of sustainable workforce planning and the need to recognise and support the advanced skills and leadership roles cancer nurses already play in maintaining service delivery.

New models of care and expanded scopes of practice will be essential

The report points to innovative models of care, expanded scopes of practice and stronger multidisciplinary collaboration as key strategies to address workforce challenges. Nurse-led models of care, navigation roles and advanced practice nursing are increasingly recognised as critical components of a resilient cancer system. These approaches can help improve access to care, enhance patient outcomes and make better use of the expertise within the nursing workforce.

The workshop and resulting report highlight the importance of continued collaboration across the cancer sector to strengthen workforce capacity and support the delivery of equitable cancer care across Australia.

CNSA was pleased to participate in the national workshop and contribute the perspective of cancer nurses to these important discussions. Members interested in workforce planning, survivorship care and the future direction of cancer services may find this report particularly valuable.

The full report from Cancer Australia is available to read online.