16/03/2026
It’s Cancer CNS day, meet Liza Nketiah a Lung Cancer CNS. Reflecting on her experience she shared with us:
“Being a CNS wasn't something that I had thought of, because I used to work in the chemo unit in my previous trust. It wasn't until that I had gone through like a personal circumstance where my mum had to have treatment.
“I've only been in the role for six months. It's very different compared to working in the chemo suite. In the suite, you're giving the treatment. As a CNS, you're with them throughout all the different stages. So it's very different, but I am enjoying it and I am learning a lot.
“And actually, going with my mum to her appointments is what opened my mind to what we do as CNS’s. I'm always grateful to the CNS’s that were involved in my mom's care.
“Going with her and being on the other end and seeing their role and how my mum felt comfortable talking to them. They were always a phone call away.
“We build relationships with the patients. You see them beyond their diagnosis as someone going through such a very massive change in their life.
“Being there for them, being an advocate. Because sometimes even with my mum when we're seeing the oncologist, she wouldn't say anything but have lots of question later.
“Being able to do that for other people and not seeing them as just a patient, but seeing them as someone's mum, someone's dad, someone's daughter.
“Caring for the patient holistically is important to me as well.
“Sometimes as health care professionals we don't really see our impact until the patient highlights how you supported and impacted their life during a challenging time.
“My mum remembers her nurse’s name, even though treatment was nearly two years ago. And whenever she goes back for an appointment, she's always asking where she is. CNSs do make a huge impact.
“Even if it's really, small you're still making such a huge difference in someone else's cancer journey. And to me, that is important, especially being on the other end where my mum has gone through that.
“I want to support advocate for every single patient that I encounter.”
