This year has been a period of real momentum, connection, and impact for the RCN Cancer Forum as they strengthened their national network and continued to champion the voice of cancer nursing across the UK. Through sustained collaboration, policy influence, education, and member engagement, the forum has worked to ensure that nurses working or interested in cancer care feel supported, represented, and connected to promote the voice of nursing.

Throughout the year, the forum has continued to build strong partnerships with key organisations shaping cancer care. It has been great to see the connection with UKONs build which has helped maintain alignment on national cancer nursing priorities, and the forum chair and myself are excited to meet the new president, Dr Mary Tanay, soon to discuss how we can continue to work together. Additionally, regular meetings with Macmillan Chief Nursing Officer have provided a valuable space to review professional resources and explore opportunities for joint work, strengthening the support available to nurses across the sector.

The forum has also deepened its collaboration with OUTpatients and UCATs, delivering a well-received webinar on trans cancer care and sharing this with many members across the UK. Engagement with Prostate Cancer UK has remained strong, with involvement in national screening programme discussions, APPG sessions, CNS framework development, and planning for the upcoming PCUK Conference. They also supported National CNS Day in partnership with UKONs and national cancer teams, contributing to social media activity and amplifying the work of cancer nurses, including through a blog written by an RCN fellow.

Ensuring nursing representation in national policy conversations has been a priority. The Forum Chair attended the Royal College of Radiologists roundtable to help shape the future NHS Cancer Plan, while the Chair, Deputy Chair, and Professional Lead represented the forum at the House of Commons for the launch of the RCN’s Hazardous Medicinal Products resource—an important development for cancer care nursing. The forum also contributed to the RCN Long-Term Conditions Conference, with Deputy Chair Lauren and committee member Mo helping shape the cancer stream agenda with a strong focus on health inequalities, and will also be serving as judges for abstracts and posters on the day – see more info here and how to sign up: RCN Long-term Conditions Conference 2026.

Several key projects were successfully delivered and closed this year. The joint RCN and OUTpatients/UCATs webinar, Cancer Care in the Trans Community – A Scenario Approach, received excellent feedback from attendees. The collaborative webinar with C the Signs on the role of primary care nurses in early cancer diagnosis attracted over 80 participants and highlighted the critical role of primary care in improving outcomes. The launch of our Bluesky social media account has expanded our digital presence and created new opportunities for member engagement. Committee member Mo also contributed to the RCN International Academy’s humanitarian framework, ensuring cancer care was represented in this important work. Alongside these projects, the forum has maintained a monthly blog series, offering insights, reflections, and updates from the committee members and wider forum contributors.

Among the many highlights of the year, we were proud to see committee member Mo recognised as Forum Member of the Year, reflecting the dedication and leadership within the cancer community. The work on trans cancer care continued to gain visibility, with Mo’s blog being featured in the RCN magazine. Clinical engagement has also been a key focus, including a visit to Guy’s Cancer Centre to meet members and explore training needs across the cancer workforce. So many highlights and opportunities it is hard to list them all here! But seeing Mo collect his award highlighted just the incredible reach the forums have across the UK in raising the profile of nursing.

The policy representation for the forum committee has remained strong, with attendance at APPG sessions alongside Prostate Cancer UK and participation in a national roundtable at the Royal College of Radiologists to contribute to the NHS Cancer Plan. These opportunities ensure that the voice of cancer nursing is heard at the highest levels and that the realities of frontline practice shape national decision-making.

Across all of this work, the RCN Cancer Forum has continued to build a connected, informed, and empowered network for all RCN members. By strengthening partnerships, amplifying nursing expertise, and creating spaces for learning and collaboration, the forum is helping to shape the future of cancer care and support members across the UK. This year has demonstrated the power of collective effort, and I look forward to supporting the forum to continue this momentum in 2026, as we work together to improve outcomes for people affected by cancer and champion the vital contribution of cancer nursing.