Episode 12: National CNS Day - explaining the role of a Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist

In this special episode to mark National CNS Day 2025, Steve Bland is joined by five guests to explore the role of a Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS). 

In part one, Steve is joined by Kate Williams, the Macmillan Cancer CNS Development Lead, and Yvonne Beadle, from the North East London Cancer Alliance, and in part two, it's the turn of Kim Grove and Chelo Bou, Clinical Nurse Specialists from Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, and patient Peter Adams.

The CNS is a vital part of a cancer patient’s treatment, yet it's a role that is not so commonly understood. It is important to recognise the work that Clinical Nurse Specialists undertake and to raise the profile of the role to help encourage more people to work in this specialist field.

 

A Cancer CNS is a senior nursing role which focuses on the needs of cancer patients and their families. They tend to work in a specific cancer site and build extensive knowledge of the clinical and broader needs of patients with that cancer. They typically first meet patients at the point they are diagnosed with cancer and become an essential contact and support as they progress through treatment and beyond.

 

As well as exploring the day-to-day activities in more detail, this episode also compares the modern-day role to the past and how things have changed over the years. This includes the role of the cancer alliance in supporting the CNS workforce and the current challenges with recruiting nurses for the role.

 

It is a unique peak through the eyes of very experienced Clinical Nurse Specialists in north east London!

To find out more about the role of a cancer clinical nurse specialist, visit https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/cancer-clinical-nurse-specialists

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#NationalCancerCNSDay

What is Taking Control of Cancer?

Welcome to Taking Control of Cancer, the podcast from the North East London Cancer Alliance. Think of us as your ‘how to’ guide when it comes to busting common cancer myths, overcoming fears and barriers, and improving cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care.

This series aims to provide both patients and healthcare professionals with tangible things they can do to help when it comes to cancer. Whilst we know not all cancers are preventable, there are things we can all do that could make a positive difference to the health and wellbeing of our family, friends and colleagues.

There are two underlying themes across all episodes – the importance of early diagnosis, and reducing health inequalities.

Host:
Steve Bland is an award-winning podcaster and producer and one of the three presenters of the BBC podcast You, Me and the Big C, which was set up by his first wife - BBC presenter Rachael Bland - before her death from triple negative breast cancer in 2018.

Regular guests:
Dr Angela Wong, Chief Medical Officer, North East London Cancer Alliance:
Angela is a driving force behind improving cancer diagnostics for residents across north east London. As Chief Medical Officer for the North East London Cancer Alliance, Angela works tirelessly on delivering innovation and service improvements for cancer patients.

Femi Odewale, Managing Director, North East London Cancer Alliance:
Femi leads the programme teams from the North East London Cancer Alliance across three core areas of work: Early Diagnosis, Diagnosis and Treatment, and Personalised Care.