April 2nd marks the 21st anniversary for Oncology Nursing Day in Canada. The theme for this year is “From Coast to Coast: Uniting Our Practice”.

It is a day to recognize the incredible role oncology nurses play in our national health care system. Cancer affects people of all genders, nationalities and age groups. Oncology nurses are on the front lines of cancer treatment, care and research. We thank all Canadians, from coast to coast, for helping us celebrate Oncology Nursing Day. Oncology Nurses profoundly impact the lives of so many cancer patients and their families.

There are few specialties in the nursing profession where nurses have the privilege to practice, teach, lead and impact patients and families with an illness across the entire disease trajectory. Oncology nursing affords nurses this opportunity, to care for patients from prevention and screening, diagnosis and assessment, treatment, symptom management and support, survivorship, and palliative and end of life care, helping patients to meet their goals of care along the way. Even during difficult times, oncology nurses are inspired by the patients and families they care for.

We encourage our community, region and all Canadians to join us in showing appreciation and thanks to all of our oncology nurses for their commitment, passion, and dedication to patient and family centred care.