Health trusts in Northern Ireland observed National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist Day on 16 March 2026. The day recognises cancer clinical nurse specialists who deliver care and support to patients.

The Southern Health and Social Care Trust employs 50 cancer clinical nurse specialists across 11 areas, including haematology, palliative care and acute oncology. Dermatology specialists Wendy, Paula and Laura assist patients with melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and Merkel cell carcinoma from diagnosis through follow-up and surgery. The trust's breast care nurse specialists Eimer, Annie, Katie, Aine and Lynsey support patients from initial appointments to survivorship. They issued a breast awareness leaflet with a QR code to a video after patient feedback on self-examination confusion. The team collaborates with Pretty n Pink charity on free post-surgical bras. Urology cancer nurse specialists offer guidance to patients and families. Clare Crothers, a urology specialist, noted that cancer nursing combines science and humanity in supporting bladder cancer patients. Clair Quin, head of cancer services, stated that specialists aid patients after diagnosis.

The Western Health and Social Care Trust has 32 cancer clinical nurse specialists across nine tumour sites, including lung, breast, colorectal, haematology, gynaecology, uro-oncology, upper gastrointestinal, skin, head and neck. Lead nurse Sinead McElwee said the specialists help patients understand diagnoses, manage treatments and receive tailored support. Skin specialists Sean McCartney and Noeleen Britton described building trusted relationships for holistic care. Breast team lead Karen McAteer said the team supports patients through treatment journeys, drawing motivation from their resilience.