Every day, cancer nurses provide expert care, compassionate support and specialist knowledge to patients and their families.
On Cancer Nurses Day 2026, we are celebrating the incredible contribution cancer nurses make across our services and recognising the vital role they play in improving outcomes and experiences for people affected by cancer.
This year's Cancer Nurses Day marks the final year of the national Strong. Skilled. Specialised. campaign, which recognises cancer nurses as expert healthcare professionals who deliver specialised care, lead improvements in practice and make a meaningful difference for people affected by cancer.
For Clinical Support Nurse Bronwyn Jurgens, those qualities are at the heart of what makes cancer nursing such a rewarding career.
Strong in support
After joining Austin Health as a graduate nurse, Bronwyn discovered her passion for cancer care during a rotation in haematology.
"I fell in love with the nursing straight away," she says.
“To me, being a cancer nurse means supporting someone through one of the most frightening and life-altering times of their life. It means being there for patients and their families, sometimes quite literally holding their hand and providing comfort. It’s about delivering potentially life-saving treatment, managing side effects, educating and advocating for patients, and being someone they can rely on throughout their journey.”
Now eight years into her nursing career, Bronwyn supports early career nurses, graduate nurses and students while continuing to help deliver high-quality cancer care.
Cancer nurses are often alongside patients throughout significant moments in their cancer journey, providing both clinical care and emotional support.
"We build really strong relationships with patients and families," Bronwyn says.
"Sometimes we care for people over weeks, months or even years. We become someone they can trust and rely on, and that's a responsibility we take very seriously."
Those connections can make some days difficult, particularly when patients experience setbacks or do not receive the outcome everyone hoped for.
"It can be incredibly challenging," she says.
"We’re really lucky we have such an amazing team that we can lean on, support each other, we all know what it's like to deal with this as a healthcare professional."
Skilled in practice
Cancer nursing is one of the most complex and rapidly evolving areas of healthcare.
Having worked across haematology, day oncology, radiation oncology and palliative care, Bronwyn has seen firsthand the breadth of opportunities available within cancer services.
"No two days are the same," she says.
"You might be caring for someone receiving a stem cell transplant, supporting a patient with a new diagnosis, helping manage complex symptoms or caring for someone at the end of life. The variety is what makes the role so rewarding."
Alongside her clinical work, Bronwyn is completing postgraduate studies in cancer nursing, building on the knowledge and experience she has gained throughout her career.
"It's challenging balancing study and work, but it's a great opportunity to connect what you're learning with real patient experiences."
She says ongoing education and professional development are important in a field that is constantly advancing.
"There's always new research, new treatments and new ways of caring for patients. Cancer nursing is an area where you're continually learning and growing."
Specialised in knowledge
Cancer care has changed significantly during Bronwyn's career, with advances in treatments, clinical trials, therapies and wellness offerings creating new opportunities for patients.
"Our understanding of cancer continues to evolve," she says.
"There are treatments available now that weren't options years ago, and wellness has expanded a lot."
From stem cell transplantation and clinical trials to wellness programs, such as art therapy, music therapy and acupuncture, cancer nurses play a critical role in helping patients access and navigate specialised care.
"There are so many opportunities within cancer nursing to develop expertise," Bronwyn says.
"Whether it's haematology, oncology, radiation oncology, palliative care or day oncology, there's a pathway for everyone."
For nurses considering a career in cancer care, Bronwyn's message is simple.
"Give it a go."
"It can feel daunting at first but it's incredibly rewarding. You're constantly learning and growing, you're supported by an amazing team, and you have the opportunity to find your niche."
“I’m incredibly proud to be a cancer nurse. I genuinely think it is the best job, and I come to work every day hoping that, in some small way, I can make a difference in someone’s life.”
Above all, she says it is the patients who continue to inspire her.
"The people we care for are incredibly strong. Their stories are inspiring and I feel privileged to be part of their journey."
As we celebrate Cancer Nurses Day 2026, we recognise Bronwyn and all our cancer nurses for their expertise, compassion and dedication.