Nursing Excellence in Cancer Care - Cancer Nurses Society of Australia Podcast

Australia’s cancer nursing workforce now has a contemporary national capability framework. In this episode hosted by CNSA CEO Jemma Still, Dr Carla Thamm, Professor Gemma McErlean, Nikki Dean and Dr Pammie Ellem reflect on why the Australian Cancer Nursing Capability Framework, or AusCaN Framework, was needed, how it was developed and what it could mean for cancer nurses, educators and health serv...

This episode explores the rapidly evolving landscape of lung cancer treatment, from the removal of stigma in general practice to the emergence of targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and precision medicine. The panel discusses the critical role of the multidisciplinary team — particularly cancer nurses — in treatment coordination, toxicity management, and patient education, with a focus on meeting p...

In this episode of Nursing Excellence in Cancer Care, CNSA CEO Jemma Still and President Anne Mellon unpack why 2026 is a pivotal year for cancer nursing in Australia. They discuss workforce pressures and burnout, the redevelopment of the Australian Cancer Nursing Framework, national moves toward post‑graduate accreditation, and CNSA’s new cancer nursing education portal. Jemma and Anne also highl...

Jemma Still, CNSA CEO, has a candid conversation with palliative care nurses Holly Pitt and Kate Swetenham about the real, human side of end‑of‑life cancer care. They explore what palliative care nursing really involves, how oncology and palliative teams can work together, and practical ways to respond when patients and families ask confronting questions like “Am I dying?” – using curiosity, silen...

In Episode 22, we explore the importance of communication with individuals living with cancer. Lisa Sheeran, a Breast Cancer Clinical Nurse Consultant, and Maria Ftanou, the Director of the Psychosocial Oncology Unit at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, discuss "Oncology Unscripted: Guiding Patients through Cancer Treatment." They share best-practice examples for helping patients navigat...

In this special podcast episode, our CEO, Jemma Still, leads a discussion on Sarcoma. Jemma is joined by medical oncologist Liz Connelly and Sarcoma CNC Emma Gardner, both from Peter MacCallum in Melbourne. Sarcoma is a rare and diverse cancer, and management can be complex. Liz, Emma, and Jem discuss the optimal way to help people living with sarcoma and where to find the help you need. https://s...

Join Jenny Gilchrist, Breast Oncology Nurse Practitioner at Macquarie University Hospital in Sydney, and Suzanne Frank, an Advanced Specialist Breast Cancer Pharmacist at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester, UK as they delve into practical service redesign and ePROMS implementation in the adjuvant breast cancer clinic setting, sharing insights that can empower Australian Nurses to driv...

Today we discuss living with metastatic ovarian cancer and how as Nurses, we can support our patients transitioning to oral maintenance therapies. Lisa Peterson, CNC at GenesisCare St Leonards in Sydney, is joined by Dr. Sally Baron Hay, medical oncologist at Royal North Shore Hospital, North Shore Private Hospital, the Mater Hospital, Sydney and Esther White, CNC Cancer Care Coordinator at the Ma...

Jemma Still, CEO of CNSA, Professor Catherine Paterson and Dr. Carla Thamm from Flinders University as well as Associate Professor Gemma McErlean from the University of Wollongong and St George Hospital discuss how and why we have redeveloped of the Australian Cancer Nursing Framework. From comprehensive research, feedback with our cancer nurse focus groups and the Education Standing Committee, th...

Advances in Treatments for Renal Cell Cancer: The Critical Role of Nurses In this episode, Claire Howatt, Nurse Unit Manager at the Day Oncology and Apheresis Unit at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre, discuss recent treatment advancements for renal cell cancer. Joining her are Associate Professor David Pook from Cabrini Health and Cher Wang, Clinical Nurse Consultant at Olivia New...

May is bladder cancer awareness month and our podcast is timely - Advances in bladder cancer treatment options and how these advances are changing patient treatment pathways. Christine la Rose, Patient and Support Lead for BEAT Bladder Cancer Australia is joined by Urologist & Robotic surgeon from Macquarie University Hospital and St George Hospital Sydney - Professor David Gillatt, Medical Oncolo...

Immunotherapy continues to produce impressive outcomes in NSCLC and in this podcast we discuss some of the latest advances in this evolving area. Key publications and important considerations for patient care are discussed by Helen Westman, Lung Cancer Nurse Consultant at Royal North Shore Hospital Sydney, Dr Margie McGrath, Medical Oncologist at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and Greenslopes Pri...

In this episode, Monique Blanchard, a Clinical Nurse Consultant in Radiation Oncology at Austin Health in Melbourne, poses a series of questions to Associate Professor Sweet Ping Ng and Dr Ee Sian Choong, Radiation Oncologists also from the Austin Radiation Oncology Centre, Melbourne. You'll learn about the significant advancements in improving imaging and radiation delivery techniques, including...

Jemma Still, CEO of CNSA and Anne Mellon, President of CNSA and Board Chair, share exciting CNSA updates and plans for 2025, including external environmental impacts. In this episode, we discuss crucial initiatives that every cancer nurse needs to know about, including the Australian Cancer Nursing and Navigation Program, the Cancer Nursing Career Pathway, and the upcoming National Cancer Nursing...

Evolving new treatments for patients with urothelial carcinoma now include antibody drug conjugates. In this podcast we explore how these work, where they fit into the available treatment options and the patient management strategies particularly for the latest treatments available to Australian patients. Helen Anderson, Genitourinary Cancer Nurse Navigator at the Gold Coast University Hospital is...

CNSA resources: Vessel health and Preservation - CNSA - Cancer Nurses Society of Australia Position statement-  https://www.cnsa.org.au/documents/item/1767 Microcredential course Principles and Practice for Difficult Venous Access | University of Wollongong - Australia (openlearning.com) References Ullman, A. J., Larsen, E., Gibson, V., Binnewies, S., Ohira, R., Marsh, N., ... & Kleidon, T. M. (20...

Treatment for high risk early-stage breast cancer is transforming, with CDK4/6 inhibitor data extending survival. We explore the management of patients in this setting with Jenny Gilchrist, Nurse Practitioner in Breast Oncology at Macquarie University Hospital, Samantha Moules, McGrath Breast Care Nurse, Genesis Care Northern Sydney and Michael Fitzgerald, Nurse Practitioner – Medical Oncology Can...

The CNSA are excited to celebrate the inaugural Cancer Nurses Day 2024! We explore the invaluable impact that Cancer Nurses have on the patient experience and how the impact reaches beyond the physical to emotional support, educational resourcing, and even navigating the hospital ecosystem. Julie McCrossin AM, radio broadcaster, journalist and cancer survivor herself, shares her experiences with t...

The proactive management of skin during treatment for cancer is so important for many reasons, including patient comfort and optimising adherence to therapy. We discuss common skin issues seen in the clinic and practical tips to manage these, along with the new guidelines available. Justin Hargreaves, Nurse Practitioner in Medical Oncology and Chair of the CNSA Nurse Practitioner Specialist Practi...

In this CNSA Podcast, we demystify the support options and processes available to mesothelioma patients, including the social, financial & legal aspects. CNSA CEO, Jemma Still, is joined by Beth Ivimey, Specialist Lung Cancer Nurse and Raelene Lingam, Legal Counsel from Slater and Gordon’s New South Wales Asbestos & Dust Diseases team. The discussion incudes the impact of mesothelioma on patients...

In our latest CNSA podcast episode, we discuss The Evolving Treatment Landscape in Advanced Endometrial Cancer. Anne Mellon, CNSA President and GynaeOncology CNC in Newcastle, is joined by Associate Professor Yoland Antill, a Medical Oncologist and Cancer Genetics specialist in Melbourne and Nicole Kinnane, a Project Manager and Nurse coordinator at the Australian Survivorship Centre in Melbourne....

This is an introduction the latest episode Podcast, where we discuss Triple Negative Breast Cancer and the role of IO therapy. Jenny Gilchrist, a Nurse Practitioner in Breast Oncology at Macquarie University Health Services Centre and Chief Clinical Lead for the Metastatic McGrath Breast Cancer nurses, is joined by Melanie Rabbets, Clinical Nurse Practitioner at Blacktown Hospital. . This podcast...

In this Podcast, we discuss The Changing Landscape in Ovarian Cancer, including HRD testing. The shifting treatment of ovarian cancer in Australia, including the diagnostics testing changes with regards to HRD has implications for Nurses in monitoring and managing of patients. Bronwyn Jennings, Gynaecology Oncology Clinical Nurse Consultant, Mater Health in Queensland is joined by Associate Profes...

In Episode Three of the Cancer Nurses Society of Australia podcast series, we discuss The Symptom and Urgent review Clinics (SURC) and the model of care . SURC Models are a nurse-led model of care for people receiving cancer care in the ambulatory setting. Angela Mellerick is a nurse in the ambulatory cancer services setting for the past 20 years and she is joined in this discussion by Georgina Ak...

In the second episode of the Cancer Nurses Society of Australia podcast series, we discuss Antibody- Drug Conjugates (ADCs) . ADCs are a new type of cancer treatment that combines the targeting ability of antibodies with the potency of chemotherapy drugs. Justin Hargreaves Medical Oncology Nurse Practitioner, Bendigo Health Cancer Centre and Chair of the CNSA Specialist Practice Network is joined...