“Catherine is an outstanding international leader with significant contribution to maximize global cancer nurses' potential in cancer control and care. We are very proud of Cath for being awarded the Member of the Order of Australia (AM)” - Prof Winnie So, ISNCC President

The International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC) is proud to congratulate our Secretary/Treasurer,,Ms Catherine Louise Johnson,on being awarded the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) as part of the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List.

This prestigious national honour recognises Catherine’s significant service to oncology nursing and research. With nearly 30 years of dedicated work as a Clinical Research Nurse in Medical Oncology at Calvary Mater Newcastle, Catherine has made a lasting impact on cancer care in Australia. Since 2010, she has served as the Gastrointestinal Cancer Care Nurse Coordinator for Hunter New England Local Health District.

Catherine is also a passionate leader in nursing professional organisations. In addition to her current role with ISNCC, she was a founding member of the Cancer Nurses Society of Australia (CNSA), contributing to the advancement of cancer nursing nationally and globally.

We are delighted to see Catherine’s outstanding commitment and leadership recognised at the highest level. Congratulations, Catherine!

 

Ms Catherine Louise Johnson

Reference:

https://www.miragenews.com/aussie-nurses-honored-in-2025-kings-birthday-1474307

The International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC) is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievement of Naomi Oyoe Ohene Oti from Ghana, who has been named the winner of the 2025 Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award. Naomi, an Oncology Nurse Specialist and Head of Nursing at the National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, received this prestigious honor during a grand ceremony held in Dubai, UAE, on May 26, 2025.

The Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award is an international accolade that recognizes the extraordinary contributions of nurses worldwide in areas such as leadership, research, innovation, and community service. Naomi was selected from a remarkable pool of over 100,000 applications spanning 199 countries, rising to the top among ten outstanding finalists.

Naomi’s impact on oncology nursing in Ghana has been transformative. She has pioneered specialized nursing training programs, improved patient care pathways, and championed equitable cancer outcomes in her institution and beyond. Her collaboration with international partners, including the Cross Cancer Institute in Canada, has led to the development of advanced oncology nursing education and professional development programs for nurses in Ghana. Naomi serves on the ISNCC Member Development Committee and has contributed to the development of the AORTIC Oncology Nurse Competencies as well as the oncology nursing content in the 2024 IAEA/WHO Guidance on Setting Up a Comprehensive Cancer Centre.

For her groundbreaking work and dedication, Naomi received a $250,000 prize, underscoring the global importance of her contributions to cancer care and nursing leadership.

ISNCC congratulates Naomi on this well-deserved recognition and is honored to have her as a member of our global community of oncology nursing leaders. Her achievements exemplify the mission and vision of ISNCC — advancing global cancer nursing through excellence in practice, education, research, and leadership.

Yingtao Meng, Huiyu Luo

The Oncology Nursing Committee of the Chinese Nursing Association

The China Anti-Cancer Association initiated the 31^st National Cancer Prevention and Control Awareness Week (April 15 to 21, 2025) to promote healthy lifestyles and early screening to the public. The Oncology Nursing Committee of the Chinese Nursing Association and China Anti-Cancer Association Integrated Nursing Committee actively responded to the call and launched "Evidence-Based Healthy Living for Cancer Prevention" campaigns.

Coordinated by the Oncology Nursing Committee, the campaign involved more than 15,000 nurses from 91 institutions across 27 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities. A total of 704 face-to-face and online activities were organized successfully, including public lectures/educational seminars and health consultations. The campaign outreached 66 million people, including patients with cancer and their family members, as well as the general public.

During this campaign, oncology nurses actively participated in evidence-based educational seminars and heath consultation sessions  to enhance the public’s awareness of cancer prevention and control. Their efforts demonstrated the value of nursing in reducing the burden of cancer in the nation and achieving the goals of cancerprevention and control under the Healthy China initiative.

We are honoured to present an innovative educational initiative addressing cervical health equity for multicultural youth: “Developing and Implementing an Educational Program for Cervical Health, Healthy Lifestyles, and HPV Vaccination for Female Chinese and Non-Chinese-Speaking Students", co-authored by Dr. Laurie LK Ho and Dr. Dorothy NS Chan from The Nethersole School of Nursing, Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle and receiving Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination are crucial for preventing HPV infections and cervical cancer, making it essential to initiate these practices during adolescence. In Hong Kong, however, there is a lack of focus on promoting cervical health and preventing HPV infections within the secondary school sex education curriculum. While initiatives have primarily targeted Chinese-speaking students, few address the needs of non-Chinese-speaking students. Given Hong Kong’s multicultural society, it is vital that all students, regardless of their linguistic background, have equal access to health information that protects their well-being. Thus, there is a need for an educational program that effectively targets both Chinese and non-Chinese-speaking students in secondary schools.

Reflecting on a recent educational program developed for female Chinese and non-Chinese-speaking students, we aimed to promote cervical health, healthy lifestyles, and HPV vaccination. Creating an effective program required careful planning and cultural sensitivity. Our initiative included a health talk and a tutorial session designed to enhance students’ understanding of HPV, its associated infections, cervical cancer, and preventive measures. The health talk provided foundational knowledge, while the tutorial session focused on addressing myths and misconceptions.

To support these sessions, we developed a variety of educational materials, including PowerPoint presentations, booklets, matching exercises, and case scenarios. The development process followed a multi-step approach. Initially, an outline of the content was created, followed by the selection of different formats to facilitate effective content presentation. Meetings with a graphic designer ensured that graphics were tailored to the interests and comprehension levels of both Chinese and non-Chinese-speaking secondary school girls. Additionally, project team meetings integrated relevant life skills and positive values regarding cervical health and HPV vaccination into the materials.

Successful implementation of the educational program required considering several factors. First, the literacy levels of the students influenced the scope of the health content. Thus, medical jargon was avoided, using simple language, infographics, and cartoons to clarify complex concepts. Bilingual materials were prepared in both Chinese and English to ensure accessibility. Second, the information had to be engaging to stimulate interest in learning. The sequence of materials was finalized: PowerPoint presentations provided knowledge input; booklets served as reminders; interactive matching exercises addressed myths; and scenario-based discussions encouraged practical application of knowledge. Bilingual facilitators guided these discussions, fostering an inclusive environment.

User experience with the educational materials was also paramount. Before implementation, three secondary school girls reviewed the content, providing valuable feedback, especially on sections addressing myths about HPV vaccines. Their insights led to important modifications. Additionally, cultural practices concerning sensitive topics were respected by conducting the program in a female-only classroom setting.

After the program, feedback from students indicated that the program was engaging and inspiring, with accessible and useful information. They appreciated the clarity of the materials and the supportive atmosphere fostered by bilingual facilitators.

By offering bilingual resources and fostering an inclusive environment, we equip adolescents with the knowledge to make informed health decisions. This program not only promotes individual well-being but also enhances community health awareness.

Author’s organisation: The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong

Email: longkwanho@cuhk.edu.hk   dorothycns@cuhk.edu.hk

Ahead of World No Tobacco Day, we interviewed Professor William Li,FAAN, to discuss his pioneering work in integrating behavioural science with modern technology to transform smoking cessation support. As a Top 2% Global Scientist (Stanford University) and leader at CUHK’s Nethersole School of Nursing, Professor Li has secured HK$42M+ in grants and published over 200 studies. His team develops innovative interventions—including instant messaging platforms like WhatsApp/WeChat and self-determination theory-based protocols—to empower nurses in delivering personalised cessation guidance. In this interview, he shared how these strategies address challenges in chronic smokers and strengthen nurses’ frontline impact, aligning with global efforts to reduce tobacco-related cancers and healthcare burdens.

Smoking and cancer

Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of premature death and disease, accounting for 8 million deaths annually worldwide, including approximately 1.3 million deaths from exposure to second-hand smoke. Evidence indicates that smoking adversely affects nearly every organ in the body and is linked to various types of cancer. Conversely, quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risks of developing and dying from cancer. For example, the risk of death from lung cancer has been shown to decrease by 30%–50% within 10 years of quitting.

Despite clear evidence that smoking increases mortality, decreases treatment efficacy, and increases the risk of cancer recurrence and the development of new cancers, many cancer patients continue to smoke post-diagnosis. However, quitting smoking after a cancer diagnosis can delay disease progression, decrease treatment side effects, and improve prognosis and quality of life. Therefore, it is crucial for nurses to support cancer patients in quitting smoking to enhance their health.

What are the challenges ahead?

Quitting smoking is extremely difficult, with relapse common due to intolerable withdrawal symptoms. This is especially true among chronic smokers, who often have a long smoking history, high nicotine dependency, and low quit success rates. These individuals are often less responsive to current tobacco control interventions or policies and will ultimately constitute an increasing proportion of remaining smokers in the community. Overcoming this challenge will require innovative and effective smoking cessation strategies, along with tailored advice and support from healthcare professionals.

What can nurses do?

Healthcare professionals have a moral obligation to help smokers quit due to the detrimental effects of smoking on health. Nurses, as frontline clinical staff, spend more time with patients than other healthcare professionals and interact with them across various settings. They play a crucial role in smoking cessation programmes and are uniquely positioned to provide valuable information and encouragement.

However, nursing curricula worldwide often lack comprehensive training on smoking cessation. Additionally, busy schedules can make it difficult for nurses to assist smokers in quitting. Therefore, incorporating smoking cessation training into nursing curricula to empower future nurses to help smokers quit is crucial. Nurse researchers should focus on developing and evaluating effective and cost-efficient smoking cessation interventions.

Technological advancements, such as mobile health apps, web-based platforms, and chatbots, can offer improved solutions to the challenges faced by nurses in promoting smoking cessation. The application of artificial intelligence in healthcare can assist nurses in delivering continuous professional advice and personalised support. By leveraging these strategies, nurses can significantly reduce smoking rates and prevent cancer, ultimately improving public health outcomes globally.

In sum, nurses can play a pivotal role in helping smokers to quit, reducing tobacco-related illnesses and deaths, and improving quality of life. This also protects the public from exposure to second-hand smoke, fostering a healthier environment for future generations. Additionally, it can reduce the economic burden on the healthcare system imposed by smoking and the related diseases, especially cancer. These outcomes will guide smoking cessation policies and boost sustainable development.

The following illustrations depict key components of Prof. Li’s Self-Determination Theory-based interventions, integrating behavioral science to empower nurses in smoking cessation support.

From her early days as a practical nurse to leading national nursing initiatives, Lucija Rojko has dedicated her career to advancing the nursing profession and improving healthcare systems. Lucija was appointed Chief Nursing Officer of Slovenia in December 2024, bringing a wealth of experience in emergency care, health promotion, and policy development. In this interview, she shares insights into her journey, the evolving role of oncology nursing, and her vision for the future of nursing. She also offers invaluable advice for aspiring healthcare leaders and reflects on the progress—and challenges—of strengthening nursing’s impact on a global scale.

Can you share a bit about your path to becoming Chief Nursing Officer of Slovenia?
My path has been shaped by a variety of roles and experiences that gradually built my knowledge in the field of nursing. I began as a practical nurse, working in nursing homes as a student, and after earning my bachelor’s degree in nursing, I gained invaluable experience in emergency care at the Division of Internal Medicine, University Medical Centre Ljubljana. Later, I decided to focus on health promotion and health education programmes, where I discovered the profound impact nurses can have in primary health care and how influential they can be within local communities.

I pursued a Master’s in Nursing and am currently a PhD student at the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Public Administration, specialising in Governance and Economics in the Public Sector. This academic path has allowed me to explore the intersection of healthcare policy and nursing practice, further enriching my perspective.

In 2024, I joined the Ministry of Health and immediately became involved in key projects related to nursing and the role of nurses. At the end of 2024, I took the role of Chief Nursing Officer of Slovenia. My primary focus is to create positive working conditions for nurses across the country. My vision is to strengthen nursing’s contribution to healthcare by ensuring patient-centered care, improving accessibility and quality, and supporting nurses in delivering safe and effective care.

A pivotal element in my professional development has been my involvement with the International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC). This opportunity provided me with valuable insights into the global burden of cancer on healthcare systems, the social welfare of populations, and national economies. It also deepened my understanding of the demanding nature of oncology nursing and the critical importance of supporting oncology nurses both professionally and psychologically.

I initially joined ISNCC while working at the National Institute of Public Health in Slovenia, where I coordinated health education initiatives for adults. These efforts included coordination of Slovenia’s health promotion centres, which operate within community healthcare centres at the local level. These centres organise workshops on healthy living, including sessions and counselling on smoking cessation, reducing risky and harmful alcohol consumption, and encouraging participation in Slovenia’s national screening and early detection programme for colorectal cancer. They also run a wide array of health promotion and health education activities for all age groups within local communities. I saw the role of ISNNC as a great opportunity for networking with experts from all around the world and to learn new approaches for cancer prevention and early detection.

From your perspective, is oncology nursing practice and nursing in general different now compared to when you first started?

Particularly from the standpoint of prevention – namely cancer prevention and early detection – I believe there has been a significant shift towards strengthening health and empowering individuals to make healthier lifestyle choices. This is an area where we, as a society, have made a progress. However, we are far from the end goal, and I do not believe that this is a journey that ever truly concludes. New challenges and emerging risks continually arise, which must be continuously addressed to maintain and improve health within our communities.

In general, one of the most notable differences in oncology nursing today is the increased emphasis on cancer prevention and early detection, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where the cancer burden is highest. ISNCC has played a significant role in addressing these global disparities by offering training programmes, resources, and leadership development opportunities for nurses in under-resourced regions. For example, ISNCC’s tobacco cessation workshops, cancer screening modules, and palliative care curriculums have substantially enhanced the capacity of nurses to drive meaningful improvements in care delivery and prevention worldwide.

What advice would you give to your younger self?
I would give myself three pieces of advice. I live by them now, but younger me didn’t, and I wish I had. It would have saved me a lot of time and energy.

First, do not fear standing up for what you believe in. Have the courage to fight for your values and the vision you hold for a better future. Never hesitate to share your ideas and dreams, no matter how ambitious they may seem. Let go of any self-doubt that might hold you back, and trust in your ability to create meaningful change. Even the smallest steps can lead to something bigger, so take that first step.

Second, be patient and persistent.

Lastly, surround yourself with people who support and believe in you, and who share your vision.

Thinking about the future of our profession, what excites you the most or fills you with hope?

I believe that healthcare is at a crucial turning point. While the situation differs from one country to another, the role of nurses and their importance to the healthcare system is being recognised. Though the journey ahead is long, I am confident that we are on the right path to further empowering the nursing profession. Key steps towards progress include providing qualified mentors who support nurses at the start of their careers, preparing them for the challenges of the profession, and investing in those who take on leadership roles. By supporting and educating nurses, encouraging their professional development, and helping them feel secure and valued in their roles, we enable their growth and strengthen the entire healthcare system.

When I see improvements in these areas, I feel hopeful. It fills me with confidence for the future. After all, today we are healthy and active, but tomorrow, it may be us who will need skilled, professional, and compassionate healthcare staff—people who will advocate for us and support us through treatment—and much of this care will be provided by nurses.

We are delighted to continue the Academic Express section, which aims to facilitate academic exchanges and further the development of oncology nursing. In every issue, we present ground-breaking research contributions from esteemed members in the field. 

In this issue, we are privileged to feature a significant study led by Dr Muna Alkhaifi from Odette Cancer Centre in Toronto, and a multinational team of researchers from the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) Survivorship Study Group. Their research, titled "Application of Artificial Intelligence in Symptom Monitoring in Adult Cancer Survivorship: A Systematic Review," provides a comprehensive evaluation of the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in monitoring and managing symptoms across the cancer survivorship trajectory. 

As the global population ages and the number of cancer survivors continues to rise, the integration of AI technologies, such as machine learning and natural language processing, holds immense promise for transforming patient care. This study systematically reviews the effectiveness, safety, and usability of AI-driven approaches in symptom monitoring, offering valuable insights into their potential to enhance patient outcomes. The authors also provide actionable recommendations for the future integration of AI into clinical practice, emphasizing the need for standardized data collection, system interoperability, and patient-centered customization. 

This research underscores the transformative potential of AI in oncology care and highlights critical considerations for its implementation, making it a vital contribution to the ongoing discourse on improving cancer survivorship care. With a growing and aging population, the number of cancer survivors is expected to rise. Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly common in health care, with promises to transform patient care and administrative processes. AI technologies, such as machine learning (ML) and natural language processing (NLP) have already been applied to tasks in healthcare, including analyzing clinical documentation, treatment planning, toxicity management and follow-up care. Given the widespread application of AI in healthcare, it is imperative to assess the comprehensiveness, effectiveness and safety of AI in symptom monitoring and management for cancer survivors. There is also a lack of systemic evaluations addressing AI-driven symptom monitoring in cancer survivorship. In light of this gap, my team and I undertook a systematic review to assess the current state of science regarding the integration of AI in symptom monitoring within the adult cancer survivorship trajectory, from diagnosis through the end of life.

Forty-one studies were included in this review. AI prediction models typically performed well, with high precision and accuracy in tasks such as symptom detection. However, a small proportion of studies found limited accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of their AI models. Data was available to determine the effectiveness of AI approaches in monitoring and improving patient symptoms. Several studies found that their AI approach was highly accurate at identifying symptoms. Overall, AI showed utility in symptom prediction, monitoring and outcomes. User acceptance and satisfaction were mixed, with some studies reporting a higher user acceptance rate for their AI approach, while others reported mixed results regarding user acceptance, suggesting the need for tailored AI solutions.

After discussion and consensus among authors, we provided three broad recommendations on the future integration of AI into clinical practice for cancer symptom monitoring:

1. To effectively implement AI into clinical practice, symptom monitoring should be standardized in terms of frequency and method of data collection to achieve consistent data across all healthcare settings. This will allow for strategic use of analytics to detect trends and test interventions to improve patient outcomes.

2.System integration of AI requires significant investment in infrastructure and technology. It is instrumental to ensure electronic health records and analytical tools are interoperable and designed to meet individual needs so relevant and timely information can be collected that better supports decision-making.

3. Enhancing the usability of AI applications is essential for increasing patient engagement. Customizing these applications to accommodate individual patient preferences can foster active participation in symptom monitoring. This can include allowing patients to personalize features such as data input methods and notification settings, which can improve adherence with the system, improving patients’ experience and well-being.

Overall, the findings of this review indicate a promising potential for AI to enhance symptom monitoring in diverse cancer settings by incorporating various data sources, including patient text, patient-reported outcomes, and physiologic measurements. The review underscores the significant role of AI in both symptom monitoring and overall patient care throughout cancer survivorship.

Dr. Muna Alkhaifi (Corresponding author)

Reference:

Tabataba Vakili, S., Haywood, D., Kirk, D., Abdou, A. M., Gopalakrishnan, R., Sadeghi, S., Guedes, H., Tan, C. J., Thamm, C., Bernard, R., Wong, H. C. Y., Kuhn, E. P., Kwan, J. Y. Y., Lee, S. F., Hart, N. H., Paterson, C., Chopra, D. A., Drury, A., Zhang, E., Raeisi Dehkordi, S., … Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) Survivorship Study Group (2024). Application of Artificial Intelligence in Symptom Monitoring in Adult Cancer Survivorship: A Systematic Review. JCO clinical cancer informatics, 8, e2400119. https://doi.org/10.1200/CCI.24.00119. Application of Artificial Intelligence in Symptom Monitoring in Adult Cancer Survivorship: A Systematic Review

We are delighted to continue the Academic Express section, which aims to facilitate academic exchanges and further the development of oncology nursing. In every issue, we present groundbreaking research contributions from esteemed members in the field.

In this issue, we are privileged to feature a significant study led by Dr. Binbin Xu from the School of Nursing, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, and Prof. Winnie KW So from the Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Their research, titled 'Mediating Role of Financial Toxicity in the Relationships Between Health-Related Quality of Life and Its Risk Factors in Chinese Patients with Cancer,' offers an insightful analysis into the financial challenges faced by cancer patients and how these impact their quality of life. This study is a notable addition to the ongoing conversation about improving patient care and outcomes in oncology nursing.

Why We Chose this Research Topic?

As researchers in oncology nursing, we recognize that cancer care extends beyond medical treatments. Financial toxicity (FT)—the financial strain caused by cancer care costs—significantly burdens patients and their families, compromising patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Many of the factors that influence HRQoL also impact FT, and the strong association between the two suggests that FT may mediate the relationship between HRQoL and its risk factors in patients with cancer. By exploring this mediating role of FT, our goal is to enhance understanding within the healthcare system about the impact of specific risk factors on HRQoL and to advocate for a more comprehensive, patient-centered approach to cancer care that addresses both medical and financial challenges, ultimately enhancing patients’ HRQoL.

What We Discovered?

We examined the mediating role of FT in the relationships between HRQoL and its risk factors in a large sample (N = 1208) of Chinese patients with cancer. Our findings revealed that FT predominantly mediated the relationships between HRQoL and both annual household income and the level of the hospital (secondary and tertiary under hospital classification in Chinese Mainland) where treatment was received. Patients with lower household incomes or those treated in tertiary hospitals (compared with secondary hospitals) experienced greater FT, which in turn led to worse HRQoL outcomes. Additionally, the number of treatment modalities, social support, perceived stress, discussions with healthcare providers about cancer care costs, and social medical insurance influenced HRQoL both directly and indirectly through FT.

Implications for Cancer Care

Our findings highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to cancer care that includes FT as an integral part. A key takeaway from our research is the need for healthcare systems to improve cost discussions with patients. Many patients avoid or delay these conversations out of fear or lack of knowledge, but our study suggests that open, transparent discussions about treatment costs hold the potential to help patients make informed financial decisions and mitigate FT. Furthermore, addressing the challenges posed by FT requires a more holistic approach that focuses not only on a patient’s financial issues but also on other aspects of distress. Comprehensive psychological management is expected to enhance patients’ overall psychological state, enabling them to better cope with FT.

Future healthcare policies and research on HRQoL in cancer populations should prioritize FT management, particularly for individuals with low incomes or inadequate health insurance. Policymakers and healthcare providers should focus on enhancing access to health insurance and financial assistance programs. Further research is needed to explore innovative interventions, such as financial navigation, financial counseling, insurance education, and other strategies, to mitigate FT and reduce its impact on HRQoL.

We hope this study sparks a conversation about the importance of comprehensive cancer care that goes beyond treating the disease itself to also address FT.

Reference:

Xu B, So WKW, Choi KC, Huang Y, Liu M, Qiu L, Tan J, Tao H, Yan K, Yang F. Mediating Role of Financial Toxicity in the Relationships Between Health-Related Quality of Life and Its Risk Factors in Chinese Patients With Cancer. Cancer Nurs. 2024 Dec 10. doi: 10.1097/NCC.0000000000001432. Epub ahead of print. Financial toxicity and its risk factors among patients with cancer in China: A nationwide multisite study — ScienceDirect

As the ISNCC proudly marks its 40th anniversary of global collaboration, we recently hosted a transformative three-day virtual symposium from November 4th to 6th, 2024. This landmark event brought together experts and practitioners from around the world to share their insights and experiences in cancer care.

We are thrilled to present reflections from three of our esteemed members who participated in this momentous occasion. Let's hear from them about their experiences and key takeaways from the symposium.

Participant 1: Airong LU, RN, MSN, Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China.

The workshop provided a comprehensive overview of quality improvement, covering essential topics such as SMART goal setting, problem identification, solution testing, and data measurement.It was designed to equip participants with practical tools and methods for implementing quality improvements effectively.

A significant takeaway was the emphasis on creating diverse teams. We learned that team composition should include not only professionals but also patients, families, caregivers, and partners, incorporating a variety of skills, backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. This holistic approach enhances the effectiveness of quality improvement efforts.The workshop also highlighted practical applications, such as using the IAP2 spectrum for public participation and SMART goals to address nursing adverse events. By identifying specific goals and employing model improvement methods, we can uncover root causes and test solutions. Data measurement allows for monitoring progress and adjusting strategies based on feedback.

The interactive nature of the workshop, featuring sharing sessions and activities, demonstrated how rapid testing and improvement cycles can lead to significant advancements in quality improvement. Overall, it was an enlightening experience that provided valuable practical knowledge.

Participant 2: Doris Machaki, RN, MSN, Aga Khan University- School of Nursing and Midwifery / Oncology Nursing Society of Kenya, Kenya.

Participating as an awardee in this year's virtual symposium was an enlightening experience, despite the late-night hours due to the time difference. The event offered profound insights into the role of oncology nursing and emphasized the significance of patient-reported outcomes (PRO). It became clear that unreported symptoms can lead to unnecessary distress for patients, underlining the critical role of therapeutic communication in oncology care.

Key discussions included quality improvement strategies like root cause analysis and innovations in cancer literacy, crucial for enhancing patient outcomes. The second day shed light on ageism in oncology, revealing the necessity for inclusivity in healthcare. This prompted a commitment to advocate for equitable treatment for all patients, irrespective of age.

Moreover, the symposium highlighted Kenya's progress in cancer literacy through communication guidelines and efforts in pediatric palliative care, demonstrating the importance of continuous education and advocacy. This experience reinforced my dedication to improving cancer care and patient inclusivity in our healthcare systems.

Participant 3: Hoang Thu Phuong, RN, General Medical Oncology Department in Hanoi Oncology Hospital, Vietnam.

The 3-day virtual symposium was an inspiring experience, covering key topics such as Quality Improvement, Supporting System Change, and Reducing the Burden of Advanced Disease. The sessions provided valuable insights into the latest advancements in cancer care, demonstrating practical approaches to improve care quality, enhance patients’ quality of life, and develop innovative support strategies. 

I was particularly inspired by the global collaboration displayed by nurses around the world, embodying the spirit of “Leave No One Behind.” ISNCC’s efforts to support cancer nurses from LMIC regions to engage in international conferences play a crucial role in fostering health system development. 

A standout was the presentation by Professor Winnie So and Associate Professor Dorothy Chan, who introduced evidence-based tools for early cervical cancer detection. Their culturally sensitive communication strategies, including guidebooks, were especially relevant to overcoming barriers in Eastern contexts. I hope to develop similar tools and expand electronic communication systems to promote early cancer detection in my country and beyond. 

Dear Colleagues

As 2024 draws to a close, I would like to share our achievements this year on behalf of the International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC). This review reflects on the remarkable achievements and significant milestones we have reached in maximizing the influence of nursing on reducing the global cancer burden. We are deeply grateful to all member organizations and global citizens for their unfailing support and valuable contributions to turning our strategic plan 2022-2025 into action.

Strategic Direction 1: Build and strengthen the cancer nursing workforce across the world

Over half of global cancer cases occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Our priority in 2024 was to continue to strengthen cancer nursing leadership and workforces worldwide, particularly in LMICs, to reduce the global cancer burden. In 2024, we worked collaboratively with the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Ghana, and City Cancer Challenge (C/Can) to prepare a 5-year project proposal on developing an oncology nursing leadership program for training 240 cancer nurses across African countries. The project was successfully funded by Amgen, and the first cohort will be launched in Spring 2025.

Upholding the standards of training programs for cancer nurses is crucial for strengthening nurses’ provision of cancer care and control. We gathered oncology nursing leaders to review and provide feedback on the chemo-immunotherapy course developed by Hellenic Oncology Nursing Society to enhance the competency of cancer nurses in Europe.

To optimize learning opportunities and build capacity for nurses from LMICs, we offered over 60 scholarships for LMIC nurses to attend the virtual symposium 2024.

Strategic Direction 2: Influence global health policy

Global health policy helps establish national cancer control plans that benefit patients, healthcare organizations, and healthcare systems. Two position statements—one each on “cancer prevention, early detection, screening, and health promotion” and “out-of-hospital care for people living with metastatic breast cancer”—were developed in 2024. These statements highlight the key role played by nurses in cancer prevention, early cancer detection, and ensuring optimal care delivery to people with metastatic breast cancer. ISNCC is committed to optimizing nurses’ contributions to cancer care and control. Let us work together to transform these position statements into action.

As a member of the steering committee of the International Cancer Control Partnership, we supported cancer control planning efforts by reviewing national cancer control plans and enlisting global cancer nursing experts to implement and evaluate these plans.

Strategic Direction 3: Advance and apply knowledge

We have provided global nurses with various educational opportunities for advancing their cancer care knowledge and skills. We conducted global knowledge exchange webinars focusing on the care of people with mesothelioma and emotional distress. We convened a virtual symposium 2024 with the theme “Stronger together – 40 years of global cancer nursing,” covering topics on quality improvement, supporting system change, improving cancer treatment outcomes, and reducing cancer patients’ burden. Using Pfizer’s funding, we developed educational resources for global cancer nurses to support metastatic breast cancer patients receiving oral anti-cancer treatment. The English educational materials have been translated into simplified Chinese and Spanish. We also shared up-to-date research and knowledge with global cancer nurses via scientific meetings and conferences hosted by our member organizations and regional/international partners. All of these educational activities gathered global nurses from more than 40 countries/regions. The nurses’ commitment to equipping themselves to provide the best cancer care is greatly appreciated. The cancer nurses who attended the global knowledge exchange programs and virtual symposium gained actionable insights that they can use to make a difference in their own healthcare settings, from cancer prevention to end-of-life care.

Up to 50% of cancer cases are preventable by engaging in healthy lifestyles and detecting the disease early. We obtained a research grant to promote early gastric cancer detection in rural China by strengthening nurses and healthcare providers’ capacity for the prevention and early detection of gastric cancer, improving access to and uptake of gastric cancer screening, and improving knowledge, attitudes, and behavior regarding the prevention and early detection of gastric cancer among rural residents. We deeply appreciate The Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation for supporting ISNCC’s initiatives to reduce the global cancer burden via early cancer detection.

Cancer Nursing, ISNCC’s official journal, continues to disseminate groundbreaking research findings and their practical applications to address the wide spectrum of problems arising in the care and support of cancer patients worldwide. We continue to support our journal by offering an English editorial assistance program to non-English-speaking nurse authors seeking to publish.

Strategic Direction 4: Leverage partnerships with Members and Global Citizens

ISNCC Members are organizations representing cancer nurses in countries and regions worldwide. Our Global Citizens are individuals in the field of cancer care who support ISNCC’s ethos, objectives, strategy, and philanthropic goals. In 2024, over 130 cancer nurses from 30 countries/regions engaged in various positions and/or strategic activities to achieve ISNCC’s mission, including being directors/committee members/speakers/project team leaders/members and/or engaging in organizing various ISNCC activities. We also worked collaboratively with our member organizations and regional/international partners to achieve our common goals. For example, we organized a joint Global Knowledge Exchange webinar with the Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology (CANO) and The International Thoracic Oncology Nursing Forum; provided mutual support to promote our activities via members’/partners’ networks and vice versa; worked collaboratively with the Cancer Nurses Society of Australia (CNSA) to organize a joint CNSA–ICCN 2025 Congress in Adelaide, Australia; worked collaboratively with C/Can and UHAS to develop an oncology nursing leadership program for nurses across African countries; used CANO’s funding to establish a research grant for ISNCC members and global citizens from LMICs; and partnered with Asian Oncology Nursing Society and Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute to develop a clinical observership program for Asian cancer nurses. Moreover, ISNCC collaborated with five member organizations and regional/international partners (CANO, Oncology Nursing Society, European Oncology Nursing Society, Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC), Global Power of Oncology Nursing) to respond to the recently published MASCC Supportive Care 2030 Ambition Statements that outline the desired global state of supportive care by 2030, articulating the role and contribution of oncology nurses in achieving it.

Incoming and outgoing Board of Directors

We have four new members on the Board of Directors, Lena Sharp (President-elect), Catherine Johnson (Treasurer), Yuhan Lu (Director, communication portfolio), and David Makumi-Kinyanjui (Director), while Suzanne Bishaw (Director, conference management portfolio) and Julia Downing (Director, policy and advocacy portfolio) were re-elected for their second term. We greatly appreciate three outgoing members—Patsy Yates (Past president), Linda Watson (Treasurer), and Yongyi Chen (Director, communication portfolio)—for their dedication and contributions to ISNCC and global cancer nurses during their term of services.

As we look to 2024 and beyond, we are grateful for your support of ISNCC’s mission. Our global accomplishments could not be achieved without your support and commitment. Your engagement in ISNCC’s work creates synergies to maximize global nurses’ efforts to improve the health and well-being of people at risk of or living with cancer. We look forward to continuing to work closely with you to maximize our contributions to cancer control.

We wish you all a happy and healthy New Year 2025!

Regards,

Winnie So
President
International Society for Nurses in Cancer Care