Introduction
Cancer care is becoming increasingly complex, and the role of cancer nurses has never been more vital. Across Europe, specialist cancer nurses are at the forefront of delivering high-quality, evidence-based care—supporting people and families through prevention, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and end-of-life care. To meet the evolving needs of patients and health systems, it is essential that cancer nurses have access to robust, standardised, and innovative education throughout their careers.1
The EONS Education Working Group is dedicated to making this vision a reality. By developing and implementing educational frameworks, advanced training programmes, professional networks, and safety initiatives, the group is driving the professional growth of cancer nurses and shaping the future of cancer nursing across Europe. This blog highlights some of the group’s key initiatives—each designed to strengthen cancer nursing education, empower the workforce, and ultimately improve outcomes for people affected by cancer.
The EONS Cancer Nursing Education Framework and Update Study
The EONS Cancer Nursing Education Framework (2022) provides a structured guide to the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for specialist cancer nurses across Europe. Organised into eight modules, it addresses the continuum of care from prevention and early detection to survivorship, palliative care, and end-of-life support, while also covering treatment safety, communication, leadership, and research application. The Framework emphasizes the importance of person-centered, evidence-based, and multidisciplinary practice, with a particular focus on advanced nursing roles, digital health, and adaptation to national contexts. Its overarching aim is to harmonise cancer nursing education, promote professional development, and ensure high-quality, safe, and compassionate care for people affected by cancer across diverse healthcare settings.1
The EONS Education Working Group is currently conducting a study to evaluate the implementation and relevance of the Cancer Nursing Education Framework (CNEF, 2022), which was last updated and launched at the EONS15 Congress. The survey aims to gather insights from practitioners, employers, service providers, and education providers regarding their awareness, use, and perceptions of the Framework’s value in practice and education. Findings will be used to assess its impact, identify areas for improvement, and guide the next update, scheduled for 2026. By participating, respondents directly contribute to the advancement of cancer nursing education and help ensure the Framework remains aligned with the evolving needs and challenges of oncology care. The study is currently in the data collection phase, with surveys available in nine languages. You can access the survey here: Contribute to the future of cancer nursing education.
As part of this initiative, the workshop “Strengthening Cancer Nursing Through an Updated Education Framework” will be held at EONS18. This interactive session will present progress on the ongoing revision of the Framework, outline the rationale for updates, and explore its practical applications in both education and clinical practice. Participants will engage with the eight core modules, consider strategies for implementation, and discuss potential barriers and opportunities in diverse care contexts. Through expert presentations, group dialogue, and collaborative activities, the workshop will provide a platform for sharing perspectives and shaping future directions. The role of the EONS Education Working Group in supporting dissemination, collaboration, and integration of the Framework across Europe will also be emphasized.
The ECLIPTIC Masterclass (Enhancing EU Oncology Nursing Practice for Clinical Excellence)
The ECLIPTIC Masterclass, funded under the Erasmus+ Programme, is another flagship initiative of the EONS Education Working Group, which coordinates the programme and contributes as faculty. Scheduled for 24–28 October 2025 on San Servolo, Venice, Italy, this intensive programme aims to strengthen the advanced clinical, leadership, and interdisciplinary competencies of experienced cancer nurses across Europe. Through a combination of specialist sessions, simulation clinics, and interactive case-based learning, participants will enhance their expertise in areas such as symptom management, patient safety, psychosocial care, and nursing research methodologies, while also developing their clinical leadership and collaborative practice skills. With the ambition to train more than 30 cancer nurses and establish a sustainable European model for specialist education, the ECLIPTIC Masterclass offers a unique opportunity for professional development, international networking, and the promotion of excellence in cancer nursing practice.2
The European College of Cancer Nursing (ECCN)
The European College of Cancer Nursing (ECCN) is aligned with the EONS Education Framework (2018) and the ESO pathways. The College focuses on the professional development of all nurses providing care to people of all ages affected by cancer across Europe. The ECCN has been developed with the ongoing support and collaboration of the European School of Oncology and ESCO – The College of the European School of Oncology. A pilot ran from January to September 2023 with 20 nurses from across Europe, with 60% completing.
The ECCN offers an exciting and innovative structured nursing educational pathway spanning from early nursing careers through to advanced leadership and research responsibilities. It provides a collegiate environment promoting and providing cancer education, professional development, and networking opportunities for all nurses working with cancer patients and their families/carers across Europe, aiming to enhance care for people of all ages affected by cancer.
What does ECCN do?
- Develops, delivers, and signposts education and professional development opportunities for nurses who care for people across the age spectrum affected by cancer, at all levels of practice and stages of their careers, aligned to the EONS Education Framework.
- Provides networking and mentorship opportunities for early-career cancer nurses and the cancer nursing workforce across the career spectrum.
- Promotes and implements the EONS Education Framework for cancer nursing, identifying career and education pathways for nurses at all levels of practice and career stages.
- Collaborates with other health professions and academic organisations across Europe to create inter-professional training opportunities aimed at strengthening oncology health systems.
The Advanced Breast Cancer for Nurses (ABC4Nurses) Projects
As part of this initiative, it is important to highlight that advanced breast cancer affects approximately 30% of people diagnosed with breast cancer, leading to distressing symptoms and unmet needs. The complexity of symptoms and treatment-related side effects requires specialist care. However, people living with advanced breast cancer report lower quality of life and higher symptom burden than those with early-stage disease.3 Despite the consensus on the need for specialist care, access remains inconsistent due to disparities in specialist cancer nurse education.
This study aimed to evaluate the acceptability, usability, learning experience, and perceived impact of the Advanced Breast Cancer for Nurses (ABC4Nurses) eLearning programme on learners’ clinical practice. The ABC4Nurses programme was co-designed with people affected by advanced breast cancer and evaluated using a mixed-methods approach.
The programme was made available freely online in several languages during the evaluation period. During this period, 272 nurses commenced the programme, with 79 completing it. The programme, comprising six modules, was positively evaluated. Participants commended the accessibility, quality of materials, and relevance of content to clinical practice. Despite the self-directed nature of the programme influencing progression, participants reported increased confidence in caring for people living with advanced breast cancer.
Safety Webinars
And last but not least, we must not forget how important safety is: nurses are particularly at risk for occupational exposure to hazardous cancer drugs, risking both acute and chronic health effects. Knowledge of the implemented safety precautions for minimizing these risks is limited. The European Cancer Nursing Index (ECNI) was developed by the European Oncology Nursing Society (EONS) to illustrate the development and status of this profession.4
A survey among European cancer nurses on aspects of occupational safety was conducted, and in conclusion, even if most nurses report that there are safety routines in place at their workplaces, the results reveal several serious occupational risks for European nurses handling hazardous cancer drugs. Actions are needed to improve and optimise occupational safety for nursing staff.4
Conclusion
Through its wide-ranging initiatives—from the development and ongoing evaluation of the Cancer Nursing Education Framework, to the innovative ECLIPTIC Masterclass, the pioneering European College of Cancer Nursing, the ABC4Nurses programme, and vital safety webinars—the EONS Education Working Group is driving transformative progress in cancer nursing education across Europe. These efforts not only equip nurses with the advanced knowledge, skills, and leadership capacity needed to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care, but also foster a culture of collaboration, professional growth, and safety. By investing in the continuous development of the cancer nursing workforce, EONS is helping to shape a future where all people affected by cancer receive expert, compassionate, and equitable care—wherever they live.
Remember: Most of EONS’ work is undertaken by our four C.A.R.E working groups: Communication, Advocacy, Research and Education.
References
- European Oncology Nursing Society. The EONS Cancer Nursing Education Framework 2022. Published 2022. Accessed September 7, 2025. https://www.cancernurse.eu/education/cancer-nursing-education-framework/
- European Oncology Nursing Society. ECLIPTIC – Enhancing EU Oncology Nursing Practice for Clinical Excellence. Accessed September 1, 2025. https://www.cancernurse.eu/ecliptic
- Sheehan S, Dowling M, Shewbridge A, et al. Digital education in healthcare: A mixed methods evaluation of the Advanced Breast Cancer for Nurses (ABC4Nurses) eLearning programme. Nurse Educ Today. 2025;146:106533. doi:10.1016/j.nedt.2024.106533
- Sharp L, Fransson P, Fowler M, Ullgren H. Aspects of occupational safety: A survey among European cancer nurses. Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2024;70:102595. doi:10.1016/j.ejon.2024.102595
Authors
Tuğba PEHLİVAN SARIBUDAK
Assoc. Prof., Istanbul Arel University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing
ORCID: 0000-0003-1406-5123
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tuğba Pehlivan Sarıbudak earned her BSc in Nursing from Koç University (2010), MSc in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing from Istanbul University (2013), and PhD in Psychiatric Nursing from Koç University (2019). She is currently a faculty member at Istanbul Arel University. Dr. Sarıbudak serves as Vice President of the Turkish Psychiatric Nurses Association and participates in its subcommittees. She is also a member of the Psycho-Oncology Commission of the Turkish Oncology Nurses Association and the Education Working Group of the European Oncology Nursing Society (EONS). Her research focuses on psycho-oncology, healthcare professionals’ psychological empowerment, compassion fatigue, stigma, and care for patients with schizophrenia and their caregivers.
Eugenia TRIGOSO
Eugenia Trigoso graduated as a Paediatric specialist nurse. She worked in paediatric haematological transplant units for several years. Eugenia has two Master’s Degrees in both Bioethics and Hematopoietic Transplants. She splits her time between nursing and education training at University Hospital “LA FE”, in Valencia (Spain). She is also an invited speaker at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University of Barcelona. She has also been in charge of the nursing group in the Paediatric Training course at the European University of Valencia. Eugenia has been a member of various organisations and scientific committees, and has spoken at conferences in Spain and abroad. Eugenia has participated in scientific committee meetings of both EBMT (European Bone Marrow Transplantation) and SEEO (Spanish Oncologic Nurses Society). She has also participated in the Paediatric Disease Working Party Meetings from EBMT and Training course for nurses and young doctors in Jerusalem, Rhodes, Bucharest, Marrakech, and the Educational meeting in Moscow, China, Perú and India.
About the European Oncology Nursing Society (EONS)
The European Oncology Nursing Society (EONS) is a pan-European organization dedicated to advancing cancer nursing. Through education, research, advocacy, and communication, EONS empowers nurses to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care. Its initiatives—frameworks, masterclasses, networks, and safety programs —strengthen professional development, collaboration, and leadership, ultimately improving outcomes for people affected by cancer.
Disclosure: This short article was prepared by touchONCOLOGY in collaboration with the European Oncology Nursing Society (EONS). No fees or funding were associated with its publication.
Cite: Shaping the future of cancer nursing: European Oncology Nursing Society (EONS) Education Working Group highlights. touchONCOLOGY. October 2nd, 2025
Related content
- Practical advice on developing and gaining research experience in cancer nursing: Top 5 tips
- Supportive oncology focus: Dr Díez de los Ríos de la Serna on integrating science and empathy
- The future of cancer survivorship care: 3 questions with Dr Darren Haywood
SIGN UP to touchONCOLOGY!
Join our global community today for access to thousands of peer-reviewed articles, expert insights, and learn-on-the-go education across 150+ specialties, plus concise email updates and newsletters so you never miss out.
