International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care Honors cancer nurses who have made distinguished contributions to reducing the global burden of cancer

The International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC) has honored three outstanding nurses who have made substantial contributions to reducing the global burden of cancer.

Dr Stella Bialous, Past President of ISNCC and Chair of the Committee who oversees ISNCC’s Awards Program said “ISNCC is excited to recognize the extraordinary work of nurses who have made a major difference to cancer care. The successful applicants for this year’s awards are truly outstanding leaders whose work has led to advances in nursing practice as well as the development of nursing as a profession”.

Professor Theresa Wiseman, Strategic Lead for Applied Health Research at the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and Professor of Applied Health Research in Cancer Care at the University of Southampton, has been awarded ISNCC’s Distinguished Merit Award. This award is offered in recognition of an outstanding contribution to the international advancement of the science and art of cancer nursing. Professor Wiseman received the award in recognition of her leadership, education and research translating evidence into practice and significantly advancing cancer nursing and the development of cancer nurses. Her work has ensured better outcomes for people affected by cancer across many settings.

Dr Lena Sharp, Head of the Regional Cancer Centre, Stockholm-Gotland, in Sweden, has been awarded the prestigious Robert Tiffany Lectureship. This lectureship was created to keep alive the memory of Robert Tiffany, founding member and President of the International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care.  Robert Tiffany was an inspiration to many nurses around the world and the intention of the named lecture is to honor those who have a similar capacity to inspire cancer nurses of today and of the future. Dr Sharp is a nurse who, in her long career, has inspired many nurses both in Sweden and internationally through her roles as an academic supervisor, colleague, leader/manager and President of the European Oncology Nursing Society (EONS).

The Past President’s award is especially important to the mission of ISNCC, as it is given in recognition of a cancer nurse from a low or middle-income country who has initiated and sustained a program of cancer care in her/his country. The program must have been in place for three or more years and has the potential for replication or adaptation beyond the country’s borders.  This year, Mr David Makumi Kinyanjui, Vice-Chair of the Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance of Kenya, is the recipient of this award. David has made significant and unique contributions to shaping cancer nursing in Kenya and the region in his more than 15 years of cancer nursing at clinical practice, policy, and advocacy. He has held dual and unique roles, serving as the chair of the national umbrella body of over 30 cancer associations and patient groups (Kenya Network of Cancer Organizations) until July 2019, as well as a founding patron of the Oncology Nurses Chapter Kenya. David sits on the Board of the National Cancer Institute of Kenya a government agency that advises the Cabinet Secretary for Health on all cancer matters. His work over the last 3 years has focused on designing a framework of engagement between oncology nurses and cancer civil society organizations.

Distinguished Professor Patsy Yates, President of ISNCC, said “The incidence of cancer worldwide is expected to grow from 18.1 million in 2018 to 29.5 million in 2040. The goals of reducing cancer incidence, improving survival, and providing better palliative care cannot happen without the efforts of nurses. The work of the three nurses who have received this year’s ISNCC awards provide excellent examples of what can be done through nursing efforts.”

2020 has been designated by the World Health Organization as the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife. “Recognition of the work of these exceptional nurses is especially important as we begin our celebrations of the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife,” Professor Yates said.

About ISNCC

ISNCC is the international membership organization of oncology nurse leaders dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people at risk for or living with cancer, promoting the nurse’s role in improving cancer care, and developing nursing leadership in cancer care delivery.

ISNCC was established in 1984 with a vision to lead the global nursing community in cancer control and a mission to maximize the influence of nursing to reduce the global burden of cancer.

For further information, please contact:
Leya Duigu
ISNCC Association Manager
E: info@isncc.org
T: +1 647.323.2152