The second day of EONS19, held on 25 October 2026 in Madrid, brought supportive care, equitable access and the development of the cancer nursing profession into focus. The programme explored how nurses can respond to diverse patient needs while strengthening safety, education and collaboration.
Supporting patients beyond treatment
The morning opened with a session on supportive care and symptom management, chaired by Stavroula Chante and Constantina Cloconi. Topics included music and art therapy, symptom monitoring in palliative care, and quality of life for older people with head and neck cancer.
Research presentations also explored nurse-led aftercare in primary care, tailored support for people receiving endocrine treatment for breast cancer, non-pharmacological approaches to oral mucositis, and nutrition in cancer care.
Addressing inequalities in cancer care
The session on equitable healthcare for underserved populations examined barriers that can shape patients’ experiences and access to treatment.
Presentations covered Black women’s experiences of lifestyle changes following breast cancer treatment, financial toxicity, and cancer treatment and survival among adults with intellectual disabilities. Further contributions explored a co-produced breast cancer awareness tool for South Asian women, person-centred care for people living with HIV and anal cancer, and a decentralised approach to early-phase clinical studies.
Together, these topics placed attention on the need for cancer services that recognise different circumstances and involve patients in developing care.
Strengthening safety and treatment support
Safety in the work environment was the focus of an interactive session chaired by Matthias Hellberg-Naegele and Joshua Cobb. A video introduction and a co-design workshop using an oncology ward scenario provided a framework for exploring safer care.
Industry-sponsored sessions addressed the nursing role in supporting patients receiving antibody–drug conjugates for lung and advanced breast cancer. The programme also included practical approaches to shared decision-making, communication and treatment adherence.
Connecting the EONS community
An afternoon sofa conversation showcased the work of EONS Working Groups, with updates on communication, advocacy, research and education, alongside support for early career nurses.
Contributors Gabriela Mavrodin, Grazyna Suchodolska, Remziye Semerci Sahin, Matthias Hellberg-Naegele and Ciara Nic Giolla Chomhaill shared activities and priorities across these areas, connecting the development of the profession with the needs of its workforce.
Sharing research and building inclusive care
Rapid Fire Session 2 featured research on survivorship, patient empowerment, nurses’ quality of working life, psychological safety and burnout. Other presentations explored artificial intelligence in nursing competency assessment, treatment-related adverse events, cognitive education and psychosocial support.
The parallel YCE–EONS YARN project session focused on an inclusivity checklist, bite-size learning modules and certification, with contributions from Hazal Özdemir Koyu, Johan de Munter and Maria Cable.
Across the day, the programme reflected the EONS19 theme, “Equitable and Sustainable Care: The Ever-Evolving Cancer Nursing Workforce”, bringing together research and practical approaches to support patients and strengthen cancer nursing.