Nurses make a central contribution to cancer care and are integral to effective multidisciplinary team working.

A new position statement released today by the European CanCer Organisation (ECCO) ahead of the 1st European Cancer Nursing Day on 18th May 2017 reveals that specialised cancer nursing continues to be frustrated by a continuing lack of uniform regulation and recognition across Europe.

Yet, despite this situation, cancer nursing provides an undeniable added value in terms of patient outcomes.

"ECCO stands for multidisciplinarity in cancer care, and therefore seeks to advance the case for all professions involved in ensuring the best outcomes and experiences for patients." says Peter Naredi, ECCO President. "That naturally includes the role of specialised cancer nursing which is why ECCO has been pleased to support the European Oncology Nursing Society’s project Recognising European Cancer Nursing (RECaN). This project aims to consolidate evidence to clarify and effectively position the contribution of specialised cancer nursing as an essential supportive function during the cancer journey for the benefit of all patients, as well as European health systems."

“Specialist care should be delivered by specialist cancer nurses! Cancer care is increasingly complex and the nurses that deliver, monitor, evaluate and follow-up on cancer treatment need specific skills, education and recognition through appropriate career structures.” adds Daniel Kelly, EONS President.

Through the RECaN project, ECCO supports the following characteristics of contemporary cancer nursing:

• Cancer nurses as core members of the multidisciplinary team.
• Cancer nursing should be a recognised speciality across Europe based on a mutually agreed educational curriculum.
• Education for specialist cancer nurses (across all tumour types and phases of care) should be made available.
• Enhanced free movement of cancer nurses across Europe should be promoted and facilitated to help address rising demand.
• About ECCO

The ECCO position statement on specialised cancer nursing was developed by the European CanCer Organisation (ECCO), a federation of 25 professional societies in oncology, in collaboration with theECCO Patient Advisory Committee (PAC) as part of the Recognising Cancer Nursing in Europe (RECaN) project.

It was agreed by the ECCO Member Societies at the ECCO General Assembly on 30thNovember 2016.

The position statement forms part of ongoing ECCO activity to highlight to policy makers the oncology workforce needs to be met in order to deliver the highest quality multidisciplinary care to cancer patients.

Through its 25 Member Societies – representing over 170 000 professionals – ECCO is the only multidisciplinary organisation that connects and responds to all stakeholders in oncology Europe-wide.

ECCO is a not-for-profit federation that exists to uphold the right of all European cancer patients to the best possible treatment and care, promoting interaction between all organisations involved in cancer at European level.

Source: ECCO