"Making a difference every day" - celebrating our cancer nurse specialists
National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Day on 14 March is a chance to celebrate the incredible work our CNSs do every day. They play a vital role in helping patients and families navigate the challenges of cancer, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond, providing expert care and emotional support.
A cancer clinical nurse specialist is a highly trained nurse with expert knowledge in a specific type of cancer or area of care, such as colorectal cancer, palliative care, or oncology. They work as part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) alongside consultants and other specialists to deliver treatment and support.
What sets CNSs apart is the personal care they provide. From the moment a patient is diagnosed, they are there to answer questions, create a care plan, and help patients feel more in control. They provide clear information, manage the effects of treatment, and offer emotional support to help patients and families cope.
With nearly 3.5 million people in the UK now living with cancer, the need for CNSs has never been greater. Their work is about more than just healthcare, it’s about giving patients strength and confidence throughout their treatment journey.
As part of this year’s National Cancer CNS Day, we spoke to some of our brilliant CNSs at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, home to one of the largest cancer centres in the UK, about why they love their work and the difference they make:
We’re the link that holds everything together
Annie Reeves has been a CNS for 25 years:
"I love the fact that we’re able to signpost patients to make sure they get seamless care from time of diagnosis to end of treatment. We are the linchpin that enables patients to access equitable care across the trust."
Karen Petalino explains how her role goes beyond medical care:
"Being a CNS enables me to support people in different aspects of their lives, not just their health, but to improve their overall wellbeing."
Abo Amuludun helps patients feel more in control:
"Being a CNS means I get to help patients make sense of a large amount of unknown information and support their decision making."
Tough loving care
Marilene Andaya, a secondary breast cancer CNS, talks about the emotional side of her work:
"For me, TLC means "tough loving care", empowering patients to make informed decisions about their care. Being part of patients' and families' lives until the end gives me immense satisfaction and pride in building those relationships."
Sunita, a CAR-T CNS, reflects on the progress in her field:
"It has been an amazing journey setting up the CAR-T service. We have already enrolled several people and it has been incredible to see how well our patients are doing."
Making a difference every day.
Elaine, a Palliative CNS, focuses on the human connection:
"I love being a CNS because it is a job about being compassionate, a good listener, and supportive to our patients. I feel like I make a difference every day."
For Daisy Eden, it’s about making things easier for patients and their families:
"The chance to make a really bad situation better, whether it’s easing physical symptoms or providing emotional support, drives me every day."
Award winning care
We’re incredibly proud to celebrate Samantha Miles, a leukaemia and stem cell transplant CNS at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, who recently won a Barts Health Heroes Award in the Patient Choice category. Samantha has been a constant source of support for a patient undergoing leukaemia treatment, providing care and reassurance from diagnosis through to ongoing treatment. Her kindness, commitment, and compassionate care have made a lasting impact, and she is deeply appreciated by both patients and families.
Why it matters
Cancer clinical nurse specialists are facing big challenges. As more people are diagnosed with cancer, we need more CNSs to meet growing demand. National Cancer CNS Day is a chance to say thank you, raise awareness, and encourage more people to consider this rewarding career.
Join us on 14 March to celebrate the incredible work our CNSs do. Share your support on social media using #NationalCancerCNSDay and help us show how much they mean to our patients and their families.
Pictured, starting clock wise from top left: Annie, Karen, Abo, Marilene, Daisy, Elaine and Sunita. Separate image: Samantha Miles collects her Barts Health Heroes award in February 2025.
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