Cancer Support Workers (CSWs) were introduced to the cancer workforce in 2012 following the Macmillan ‘One-to-One’ pilot project review of the cancer workforce.

They have now become a pivotal part of the cancer workforce in Wessex working closely with the clinical team, particularly the Clinical Nurse Specialist, to provide bespoke, holistic care and support to people affected by cancer and their carers/families.

Working with patients throughout the cancer pathway, from diagnosis, CSWs facilitate holistic needs assessments, supportive conversations and care planning, engaging and supporting patients during and after treatment.

They can organise and facilitate patient workshops and wellbeing events, signpost and assist patients to access cancer support services, charities, and appropriate organisations within primary, secondary and community care, online or face-to-face.

CSWs contribute to and can help to set-up Patient Initiated follow-up, enrolling patients, monitoring remote surveillance, health and wellbeing information and workshops enabling patients to self-manage with appropriate support after a cancer diagnosis.

CSW roles, job titles and day-to-day tasks vary depending on local context and priorities, however, the overall aim of the role remains the same – offering the right support to patients at the right time.