Launching the Gastro-intestinal Cancers Community of Practice:
This important collaboration builds on the strong relationships formed through the Australian Cancer Nursing and Navigation Program, bringing our organisations together with a shared commitment to strengthening the GI cancer nursing workforce and improving outcomes for patients and families.
The new CoP will offer a dedicated space for nurses who care for people with gastro-intestinal cancers to come together, share knowledge, explore emerging challenges, and learn from peers across Australia. It has been created to support nurses working in a wide range of roles and settings, including cancer care coordination, clinical practice, survivorship, symptom management, and advanced practice.
Why this partnership matters
Gastro-intestinal cancers remain a major and rising health challenge in Australia and New Zealand. Every diagnosis requires coordinated, multidisciplinary care and the expertise of skilled GI Cancer Nurses who guide, support and advocate for patients at every stage of their treatment and survivorship journey.
The collaboration between CNSA, GICaNN, Bowel Cancer Australia and Pancare Foundation brings together the collective strengths of four organisations that are deeply invested in supporting people affected by GI cancers. Together, we are focused on ensuring nurses have access to the connection, professional development and shared learning opportunities they need to deliver the best possible care.
About GICaNN
GICaNN represents more than 100 specialised GI Cancer Nurses across Australia and New Zealand. These nurses include Cancer Care Coordinators, Clinical Nurse Consultants, Clinical Nurse Specialists and Nurse Practitioners who work across key tumour streams such as colorectal, upper GI and lower GI cancers.
While most states and territories employ GI Cancer Nurses, the structure, scope and support for these roles vary significantly. Some nurses work within well-established teams, while others operate with limited resources or in highly autonomous roles. The CoP has been designed to bridge these gaps by providing a consistent, supportive, and professionally enriching network.
What the Community of Practice will support and build:
- Enhanced Professional Support through a structured and supportive environment for GI Cancer Nurses to share experiences, challenges, and solutions, and collaborate on improving GI cancer care.
- Educational Opportunities through the development and delivery of educational programs, workshops, and webinars to stay informed about the latest clinical trials, treatment advances, and research findings.
- Leadership in Practice Change to empower GI Cancer Nurses to lead initiatives aimed at improving patient outcomes, clinical processes, and staff satisfaction within their own institutions and across the broader healthcare system.
- Best Practices standardisation through the development of evidence-based guidelines and care models that can be applied across all states and territories - improving consistency and quality of care for patients with GI cancers.
đź‘€ More information will be available shortly about how to join the CoP and discussion in 2026. If you'd like more information on how you can support this CoP, please get in touch.
