My story as a Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist – Chrissy Cushen-Parnell

16^th March 2026 is National Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Day!

Our Gynae Oncology Specialist Nursing team features three cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists who make up a wider multi-disciplinary team consisting of consultants, surgical teams, oncology and clinical diagnostic teams.

To celebrate our colleagues on Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist day, we spoke to Chrissy, a Macmillan Gynae Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist in the team.

“I became a Gynae Oncology Cancer CNS in July 2022. Since the start I have never seen this as just a job, it’s a chance for me to make a difference to the patients that we care for.

“Supporting our patients since then has been an amazing journey so far, one that has allowed me to really make a difference to the quality of lives of our patients and one I am keen to continue for as long as I am able.”

“We act as a pillar of strength for our patients, many of which can be extremely vulnerable after hearing about their cancer diagnosis. We’re an advocate for them and go the extra mile to make sure they have everything they need throughout what can be an extremely distressing time.”

Two of Chrissy’s patients, Lisa and Gio say she has made a hugely positive difference in their lives

Lisa and Gio are two patients that have been under Chrissy’s care since the start of their Endometrial Cancer journeys.

Gio said: “I was first diagnosed in September 2023 and from the moment I walked in, Chrissy put me at ease.

“My initial appointment felt like it lasted forever, but Chrissy was by my side – I had no idea how important she would be to me in the months and years to come.

“Throughout 2024 I had countless hospital visits, before my hysterectomy in October that year.

“It was an extremely difficult time for me, but Chrissy gave me unwavering support and guidance throughout what has been the hardest time of my life.”

Lisa said: “When I was diagnosed in August 2025, my whole world fell apart.

“Chrissy is an amazing Nurse, but an even more amazing person, I am so lucky to have someone like her supporting me through my journey.

“I was told in October 2025 that I was going to need a full hysterectomy, everything felt surreal, but I knew I was in safe hands.

“Chrissy went through everything with my husband and I which put us both at ease straightaway.

“Cancer is a horrific ordeal for anyone to go through, but having Chrissy by my side has made my journey so much easier – she’s amazing!”

 No day in Chrissy’s role is the same

“We have days where we are supporting clinics, days where we are taking part in multi-disciplinary meetings and sometimes, we don’t know what’s going to come through our door!

“We always have to be on standby in case any of our patients need guidance, support or even just a reassuring chat over the phone. As a team, we wouldn’t be able to work in such a responsive way without the support of each other.

“The network of CNS’ is like a family; we’re always there for each other and that camaraderie allows us to be available for our patients and give them the best possible care and support that we are able to.”