Celebrating the compassion and expertise of Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists
Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) play an extraordinary role in guiding people through some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Their blend of clinical expertise, emotional support, and continuity of care transforms the cancer experience for countless patients and families – and with 3.5 million people now living with cancer in the UK, their role has never been more important.
For National Cancer CNS Day, we shine a light on some of our local CNSs whose passion and dedication reflect the very best of cancer nursing.
Naomi Fairfield
Breast Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist, North Bristol Trust
I have been working as a CNS for 7 years. I previously worked in Intensive Care but I wanted to develop into a role that gave me the opportunity to become an expert and really know a condition inside and out.
Whilst working as a Breast CNS I became particularly interested in genetic and genomic testing. In 2020 an opportunity came up to learn about genetic counselling and to be involved in getting mainstream genetic testing up and running in breast cancer services. I completed the Genomic and Counselling skills for Nurses and Healthcare Professionals at University of the West of England and have really enjoyed expanding my knowledge and understanding.
This aspect of my role has given me insight into what it takes to build and provide a service. It also gives me more face-to-face time with patients. The genetic counselling skills I have learnt have informed my practice and enhances the support I can offer my patients throughout their cancer journey.
The CNS role is a very rewarding job for those who like to support a patient in every aspect of their journey through treatment. It enables you to really understand a disease and pass on the knowledge to patients, seeing them through a tough time and making a meaningful and positive impact.
Emily Moretti
Gynaecology Cancer Nur
se Specialist, Royal United Hospitals Bath
I have worked in cancer care for 19 years, have been a Gynaecology Cancer Nurse Specialist for 10 years. My career has always been shaped by a passion for supporting women through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. I was drawn to becoming a Cancer Nurse Specialist because I wanted to provide not only expert clinical care, but also the emotional steadiness and continuity that patients so often need. In this role. We walk alongside women from diagnosis through treatment and beyond, getting to know their individual needs, fears and priorities. It is a privilege to be trusted with the very personal details of a patient’s and their family’s life, and that trust is something I never take for granted.
For me, the most rewarding part of being a Cancer Nurse Specialist is the continuity of care we offer.
Patients often tell us how reassuring it is to know they have a consistent point of contact; someone they can call or email who understands their story and their journey. Being able to support women not only as a nurse, but also as a fellow mother, sister, daughter or wife, creates a connection that feels meaningful on both sides. Knowing that we can make someone feel heard, supported and less alone during such a difficult time is what makes this job so special.
To anyone considering a career as a Cancer Nurse Specialist, I would wholeheartedly recommend it. The role is hugely fulfilling, you become an expert in your field, you are part of an incredible multidisciplinary team, and you develop the skills to navigate complex and often emotional situations with confidence and compassion. It is a role that challenges you, stretches you, and rewards you in equal measure. Being a Cancer Nurse Specialist allows you to make a real, lasting difference at a pivotal time in a patient’s life.
For me, it truly is the best job
Aida Recabar
Uro-Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist, North Bristol Trust
My career started on a surgical admissions ward with a strong urology focus where I built my urology experience over 5 years. This developed into a passion for the specialty and led me to apply for a role in Uro-Oncology.
Being a consistent point of contact for patients and building trusting relationships throughout their cancer journey is the most rewarding part of my role as a cancer CNS.
When I was first interested in becoming a CNS for Uro-Oncology, I approached a close colleague who already worked in the department for advice and learnt about the role which helped guide my decision and ultimately led me here. My advice would be to build your confidence, stay curious, and remember that patience, patient advocacy, clear communication, and kindness are just as important as clinical knowledge!
Julia Bresnai
Lead Skin Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
I’ve always had a passion for skin, having been a tissue viability nurse before I became the lead skin cancer clinical nurse specialist at the trust. I’m passionate about holistic patient care, being able to spend the time to help patients get the right support and being able to signpost them to additional services, especially through a difficult diagnosis. We have a unique way of working in skin cancer, where our skin cancer nurses are supporting patients across all points of the pathway, from first assessment in the two‑week referral, through to oncology, there is a familiar face through it all.
It’s the interactions with patients, building a rapport with them and accompanying them on their journey that I find most rewarding. We have the privilege of getting to know them, meeting their family and connecting with them. Knowing that your patients feel safe in your care and know they can contact you with any concerns is really rewarding. Even though my role has evolved to be less patient facing I still visit my patients when they are in for their oncology appointments to see how they are. It’s really special, especially when your patients are going through a difficult time.
It’s a challenging role with difficult situations you need to manage, as patients are dealing with life limiting diagnoses, so you need to be aware that some outcomes are not what you would hope for. If you are interested, I would recommend doing your research and talking to the various cancer nurse specialist teams, we are happy to have colleagues visit us for the day and understand more about what we do. You need to be very comfortable having difficult conversations, but it can be the most rewarding role, even if it’s not a positive outcome in the end, you can still help your patients and their loved ones to make the end of their life positive.”
Colorectal Cancer CNS Team
Felicity Clarke, Amelia Aggus, Maria Salter, Jacqui Booker, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Colorectal CNSs act as a consistent point of contact for individuals undergoing investigations or treatment for bowel conditions, including colorectal cancer. These specialists frequently run nurse-led clinics, manage symptoms, offer stoma care education and facilitate access to psychological, nutritional and community-based support. As pressures on colorectal services continue to grow, CNSs remain essential to delivering responsive, compassionate and high-quality care.
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, the Colorectal CNS team consists of Felicity Clarke, Amelia Aggus, Maria Salter and Jacqui Booker. Reflecting on their roles, the team shared:
“Our role as Colorectal Cancer CNS allows us to make a meaningful difference at a critical time in people’s lives. Supporting patients through their pathway, building long‑term relationships, and advocating for their needs remains incredibly rewarding. The evolving nature of cancer care and the collaborative MDT environment also keep the role stimulating and professionally fulfilling.”
Naomi, Emily, Aida, Julia, Felicity, Amelia, Maria and Jacqui all reflect the dedication shown by Cancer Nurse Specialists across the region. Their expertise, compassion, and commitment ensure that every patient feels supported, informed, and never alone.
Interested in becoming a CNS?
On National Cancer CNS Day, we celebrate them, and every CNS making a difference, every single day. We continue to invest in our ACCEND (Aspiring Cancer Career and Education Development) Programme, developing future cancer nurses and the wider cancer workforce through education, supervision and structured progression routes. Registered nurses interested in specialising in cancer care can develop advanced clinical, communication and leadership skills needed to move into these roles, supported by opportunities for mentorship and training. Find out more: Workforce Learning – SWAG Cancer Alliance
