Group of nurses wearing dark blue uniforms stand in line in a hospital setting.

National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Day

National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Day is a day to celebrate and highlight everything that the cancer nursing workforce does for patients in the UK-wide health sector every day.

Information about National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist day

  • When is National Cancer CNS day?
    National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist day is on 16 March 2026. This year we celebrate National Cancer CNS day with the theme, "Championing Change, Transforming Lives". 
  • What is National Cancer CNS Day?

    The idea for a national cancer CNS day was born out of the knowledge that the growth of the cancer workforce is not keeping pace with the increasing demand for cancer services.

    The National Cancer Workforce Plan (2017) and NHS England’s People Plan (2020) both pledged to increase and transform the cancer workforce to support the delivery of 21st century care. Raising awareness at this time is vital to promote action. We know the Cancer CNS workforce is aging with 18% of the workforce who are older than the average age of general nursing personnel. Furthermore, since 30% of CNSs are looking to retire in the next 8 years, campaigns such as the National Cancer CNS Day are both important and urgent.

  • How can I get involved with National Cancer CNS day?

    Share your experience on social media. If you’re a Cancer CNS, share your hard work or appreciation for your colleagues. If you're someone affected by cancer, you may want to recognise the work of a Cancer CNS in your life.

    Use the hashtag #NationalCancerCNSDay to get involved on social media.

    Other ways to make an impact:

  • What is a Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist?

    Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists are highly skilled professionals who provide expert care and support to patients throughout their cancer journey. They play a crucial role in coordinating and delivering personalised care interventions, addressing both physical and emotional needs.

    Our Macmillan nurses are Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists.

  • How can I celebrate my Macmillan nurse?

    Help us celebrate our Macmillan nurses this National Cancer CNS day by telling us about the support you or a loved one received from a Macmillan nurse.

    Visit our Online Community to tell us about your experience and read their blog dedicated to celebrating CNS's. 

National Cancer CNS day toolkit 2026

National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist day assets pack cover

Resources to share on Cancer CNS Day

Download our pack of ready to use graphics, images and messaging to post on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Download the pack

The essential role of Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists

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Read Claire's blog
Almost 3.5 million people in the UK are living with cancer. The demand for cancer services is increasing. In her new blog Claire Taylor, Chief Nursing Officer at Macmillan discusses why the clinical nurse specialist role matters now more than ever.

Celebrating Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists

Hear from Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists about what they love about their role


Watch the video below to hear from Yasmin Al-Azzawi, Macmillan Haematology CNS, as she talks about her role and the impact that CNSs have on cancer care and support.

Karen smiles at the camera, she is wearing a Macmillan lanyard

“To know that I as a Macmillan CNS can provide the support and comfort that each individual patient needs. It makes me feel proud. It is about understanding what the patient is going through, being their advocate to ensure their treatment is done in a timely and appropriate manner and pointing them in the right direction of Macmillan services. I treat each patient as I, or a family member, would expect to be treated.”

- Karen Hayes, Macmillan Skin Cancer CNS

John is a Macmillan Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist. He has short brown hair and a long brown beard and moustache. He is wearing a blue NHS uniform and standing in front of a landscape back drop.

"I had no idea where my role was going to take me or what it would really involve. It was a new service that had not been done before. All I knew was there was a group of patients who needed better care and a dedicated member of the team to advocate, understand, support and provide them with the best care possible whilst going through one of the hardest times in their life, and this fell to me. They know that if they present a problem, I’ll move hell and high water to put it to bed."

- John Bostock, Macmillan Head and Neck and Skin Cancer CNS 

Sarah is sitting in a purple armchair. Her brown hair is tied up and she is wearing a green Macmillan branded fleece and a blue NHS uniform. Behind her are shelves with different Macmillan booklets.

"To me being a Macmillan CNS is a huge privilege, supporting a patient and their family in their darkest hours. But I am also there as a 'vital cog' behind the scenes, chasing scan results, appointments, and providing specialist information, to achieve the best possible outcomes."

- Sarah Desborough-Brothers, Macmillan Rare Tumour CNS

Make a difference for National Cancer CNS Day

The money you donate or raise helps us do whatever it takes to support people affected by cancer.

Your money could contribute to funding for a Macmillan Clinical Nurse Specialist who help people make informed decisions about their treatment, as well as help them manage their treatment.

Just £270 funds a Macmillan Clinical Nurse Specialist for one day.

Make a donationFundraise for Macmillan

Support for Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists

Anthony and another healthcare professional are looking at a desktop computer. They are both wearing NHS healthcare uniforms. They appear to be in a hospital.Anthony and another healthcare professional are looking at a desktop computer. They are both wearing NHS healthcare uniforms. They appear to be in a hospital.
Resources for clinical nurse specialists
Read our information on what support, guidance, education and resources are available to help with your role.
A group of nurses are in a class. Two nurses are looking at a laptop. They are all wearing different coloured scrubs.A group of nurses are in a class. Two nurses are looking at a laptop. They are all wearing different coloured scrubs.
ACCEND
The Aspirant Cancer Career and Education Development (ACCEND) programme provides guidance on what skills, knowledge and capabilities professionals need to care for people affected by cancer.
A photo of a man sitting at a table using a laptop.A photo of a man sitting at a table using a laptop.
Newsletters for health professionals
Sign up to receive our newsletters - packed with information on the latest news from Macmillan and from cancer care, support and research.
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The Cancer Professionals Podcast
Listen to Macmillan's podcast where you can hear from expert guests and find out about the latest innovations and best practice in cancer care.
Learn about our support for professionals
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Interested in a career in cancer?

There are many health and care roles within the field of cancer. Each plays an important part in every stage of a cancer experience. 
Learn about different roles in cancer