The final day of EONS19 at the ESMO Congress 2026 in Madrid brought together perspectives on supportive care, digital innovation, education and the future of the cancer nursing workforce.
Supporting patients across the cancer continuum
The day opened with a focus on care across the cancer continuum, covering nutrition, shared decision-making and support for daily life. Research presentations explored insomnia interventions for cancer survivors, core supportive care outcomes and nurses’ experiences of symptom management in surgical oncology.
Alongside this, the European Journal of Oncology Nursing session explored the journey towards publication, from designing publishable research to reporting standards, research integrity and responsible use of artificial intelligence.
Exploring innovation in practice
Digital innovation featured prominently, with sessions examining AI in healthcare and cancer treatment, remote patient monitoring and mobile symptom management support. Presentations also considered how social media can support cancer education.
Other sessions addressed myeloma care through case studies and explored challenges in children’s cancer care, including transitions in palliative care and treatment advances in rare childhood cancers.
Strengthening education and collaboration
Cancer nursing education was a central theme, with a dedicated session sharing findings and lessons from the EONS Education Framework Update Study. Speakers explored the framework’s development, key findings and future directions.
The interprofessional cancer care session introduced INTERACT-EUROPE 100 and considered accreditation of cancer education across Europe. The European Cancer Nursing Index session focused on country cancer profiles and translating evidence into impact.
An industry-sponsored symposium from Paxman also explored chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and cryocompression, bringing together nursing and medical perspectives.
Sharing research and looking ahead
The final rapid-fire session showcased research spanning workforce challenges, genomic testing education, digital supportive care, psychosocial interventions and patients’ experiences of working during breast cancer treatment.
EONS President Wendy McInally closed the conference with reflections on EONS19, recognition of the EONS19 Poster Award and ECND 2026 winner, and farewell remarks.
Thank you to all speakers, chairs, delegates, partners and colleagues who contributed to three days of learning, exchange and connection in Madrid.