The aim of this lecture is to examine the important role of palliative care in cancer control efforts and explore the essential role of nurses in providing that care. Key principles and strategies for delivering quality palliative care will be discussed.

This talk outlines the most common male and female sexual difficulties that arise as a direct or indirect consequence of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Factors affecting clinical assessment and health professional/patient communication about treatment-induced sexual difficulties will then be explored. The biomedical, behavioural and other therapeutic strategies available to improve sexual rehabilitation after cancer treatment will also be addressed in detail. Finally, theoretical, practical and evidence-based approaches are combined, thus offering an integrated approach to comprehensively address this often neglected yet important aspect of cancer survivorship.

Nurses practice in many settings and are at front line, delivering care which is safe, effective and holistic. With the influx of emerging therapies, it is important for oncology nurses to adapt themselves to this increased demand for care and therefore nursing leadership is paramount. This session discusses current nursing scenario in developed and developing countries, challenges faced by oncology nurses, new leadership styles, nursing empowerment and few strategies to improve nursing leadership in cancer care.

Childhood cancer is rare, although increasing, and generally distinct from adult cancers. In high-income countries, survival rates can reach >85% for some cancers; yet, in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), successful treatments are challenged by local realities. This lecture addresses the nursing care of a developmentally diverse patient population, with complex needs and varying family needs and resources. Challenges and strengths of the nursing role across the world to provide effective care whether the goal is cure or palliative care until the end of life will also be considered.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the world and the most common cancer in various parts of the developing world. Despite being preventable, cervical cancer is responsible for severe suffering as women lack knowledge, suffer the symptoms of the disease and treatment, are failed health care systems, are subject to traditional beliefs and medicines, suffer emotionally and financially, and are failed by their support systems. This lecture will highlight cervical cancer and tell the story of Africa’s women suffering from this disease.

Psychosocial support is a fundamental part of cancer care and should be provided to all cancer patients and their families. It includes social & financial, psychological, emotional, spiritual, and functional aspects over the different phases of the cancer trajectory. During the last decades, a growing body of evidence supports a stepped care approach to allow the provision of tailored and targeted interventions to patients and their relatives. This includes screening, assessment and intervention provision. In her talk, Manuela Eicher will discuss the development and implementation of psychosocial interventions in cancer care in the light of person-centred care approaches.

Speakers Professor Patsy Yates - Distinguished Professor, President of ISNC Dr. Boyong Shen - Director of the Palliative Care Committee of Hunan Nursing Association, China Andrew Dimech - Deputy Chief Nurse & Lead Cancer Nurse at The Royal Marsden, UK Chairs: Professor Julia Downing - Professor of Palliative Care Nursing, Makerere University, Uganda Professor Ray Chan - Professor of Cancer Care Nursing, QUT Australia