CNSA & ICCN 2025 Congress: Global Voices, Local Actions

NECA proudly attended the CNSA & ICCN 2025 Annual Congress, held at the Adelaide Convention Centre from 18–21 June 2025. This landmark event was a collaboration between the Cancer Nurses Society of Australia (CNSA) and the International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC), centred on the powerful theme:
“Global Voices, Local Actions: From Inspiration to Implementation.”

Nurses from across the globe gathered to showcase the vital role of cancer nursing worldwide. The Congress served as a dynamic platform to share nurse-led innovations and practical interventions that can be adapted and implemented in local healthcare settings.

The robust and inspiring program drew over 1,000 delegates, offering exceptional learning opportunities through an expanded lineup of international keynote speakers, each sharing their expertise and vision for advancing cancer care. Beyond education, the Congress provided a rare opportunity for attendees to connect, collaborate, and build networks with peers from around the world—united by a shared goal: improving outcomes for people affected by cancer.

The NECA booth in the Exhibition Hall was a hub of activity, drawing strong interest in NECA’s suite of resources and professional support tools including our online healthcare professional education modules and webinar opportunities, virtual in-service sessions and ‘Living with NET’s program’.

In a proud moment, the NECA nursing team had 3 abstracts accepted for poster presentations, providing a valuable opportunity to raise both national and international awareness about Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs) and the people who live with them.

NECA Poster Presentations Included:

1. “The Chance of Hope and Quality of Life for Von Hippel Lindau Syndrome Patients” Meredith Cummins – CEO, NECA
2. “Development and Introduction of Specialist Support Services for the Neuroendocrine Community” Kahlia Wolsley – Project Officer / Nurse Educator
3. “2000kms Apart – Working Together: How a Team of Australian Neuroendocrine Cancer Nurses Are Delivering a National Supportive Care Service for People Living with Neuroendocrine Cancer”
   Cristelle Gilmore – NET Nurse

The Congress featured a wide array of thought-provoking sessions from global leaders in cancer nursing and advocacy. Highlights included:

• Professor Dorothy Keefe PSM, CEO of Cancer Australia, who explored how international prioritiesm equity, data, and prevention are being embedded into Australia’s Cancer Plan, Optimal Care Pathways, and nurse-led care models.
• Nyan Thit Tieu, founder of the Sisters Cancer Support Group, delivered a moving talk on her lived experience and the importance of culturally safe cancer care, offering actionable insights for nurses striving to make meaningful change in diverse communities.
• Professor Ray Chan, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research)  and Professor of Cancer Care, Systems & Policy Flinders University, an internationally recognised leader, and Nural Nadiah Jaafar, a palliative care nurse at Hospis Malaysia, brought global perspectives on providing compassionate, equitable, and person-centred care across the entire cancer journey—from diagnosis through survivorship and end-of-life care.

The CNSA & ICCN 2025 Congress was a resounding success offering rich learning, global collaboration, and renewed inspiration for all in attendance. It was a wonderful opportunity to have so many Non-Government Organisations with booths at the Congress which highlighted the national collaboration for all cancers. NECA is proud to contribute to the growing global voice of cancer nurses and remains committed to its mission to improve awareness, education, and care for people living with Neuroendocrine Tumours.