NURSICON 2026 highlights expanding role of oncology nurses beyond treatment

Bengaluru: Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre hosted NURSICON 2026, a two-day academic conference themed “Threads of Hope: Oncology Nursing Care Beyond Cure”, recently , bringing together nursing professionals, clinicians, educators and healthcare experts.

The conference highlighted the expanding role of oncology nurses across the cancer care continuum, covering treatment, patient safety, supportive care, rehabilitation and survivorship. Scientific sessions, panel discussions, abstract presentations and interactive programmes focused on improving patient experiences and strengthening support for patients and families.

Sessions on the opening day covered ethical issues and patient rights in end-of-life care, advances in systemic therapy, operation theatre safety and paediatric oncology emergencies. A panel discussion, “Happy Hormones, Healthy Nurses: Can Wellbeing Transform Patient Care?”, examined the importance of caregiver wellbeing in sustaining quality patient care.

Col. Madhumita Dhall, Director of Nursing, said oncology nursing requires clinical expertise, emotional resilience and the ability to support patients through difficult phases of their illness. She stressed the importance of nurses in safety, communication, dignity and continuity of care, while underlining the need to support caregivers themselves.

Day two featured research presentations and sessions on preventive oncology, nutrition, bone marrow transplant care, wound management, infection prevention, ostomy management and nurse wellbeing. The conference also highlighted nurses as “safety sentinels” who identify risks and coordinate care.

Dr Dharmendra Singh Gangwar, CEO, said nurses remain among the most consistent points of contact for patients and families, contributing to treatment, education, emotional support and rehabilitation.