Moments That Count has been developed and funded by Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Limited and is intended for a UK general public audience.

Your role as a nurse

The little things make a huge difference

Oncology nurses play a pivotal role in the support of secondary breast cancer patients. We know that time and budget constraints can make it difficult to give equal care and attention to each of your patients, however it is very important to try to give each patient the opportunity to discuss everything they might need to. The care and support you provide to your patients can be extraordinarily impactful in easing their minds in a secondary care setting, allowing them time to better process and understand the decisions being made regarding their treatment.

To some, you are a warming smile. To others, an ear to listen and understand as your patients face one of the most uncertain times in their life. You become a moment that counts to your patients, as we’re sure they do to you.

Moments That Count was created to support breast cancer patients with information, real stories from our ambassadors and helpful tools that support patients in their conversations. The campaign has been designed to empower, inform and support secondary breast cancer patients and those on their care team, including you – breast cancer nurse.

Nurse spotlight

Dr Vickki Harmer

Instead of choosing a career in marine biology, Vickki became a nurse. She now leads a team of nurse specialists and is involved in both service delivery and improvement at the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.

To Vickki, every day that she can help a patient is a moment that counts.

Watch Vickki’s full video now.

clinical nurse specialist

Have you thought about becoming a clinical nurse specialist (CNS)?

Unlike an NHS nurse, a CNS specialises in one clinical area where they are an integral part of patient care, conduct tests, make diagnoses, administer basic treatments and provide expertise and support to a team of nurses.

If you are thinking about becoming a CNS, you would be trained to identify shortcomings or gaps in healthcare, while providing your own high level of care to your breast cancer patients.

To become a clinical nurse specialist, you must first complete an undergraduate degree in order to build the fundamental knowledge needed to administer care in oncology.
If this is something you are interested in, you should seek guidance from your peers and superiors on what steps you should take to begin your journey to becoming a clinical nurse specialist.

Understanding patient’s needs

The benefits of improved patient-nurse relationships

Patient-healthcare professional communication plays a primary role in adherence to treatment and improving patient outcomes. As a breast cancer nurse you can have a significant impact on your patient’s quality of life, adherence and outcomes through regular communication and ensuring you are both aligned on quality-of-life requirements.2,3

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Perceptions of quality of life often differ between patients and healthcare professionals. Open conversation can help to align with your patients on what acceptable quality of life during treatment means to both of you. This will also help your patient to feel more comfortable asking questions and sharing their concerns.3

Moments That Count resources

Moments That Count have created resources to support patients, allowing them to study various breast cancer topics in their own time and bring along to appointments. 

You can download these resources to give to your patients, or direct them to the Moments That Count website to discover for themselves.

Stages of breast cancer guide

Download the guide
terminology guide

Terminology guide

Download the guide
biomarkers guide

Biomarkers guide

Download the guide
talking with others guide

Talking with others guide

Download the guide
caring for a loved one

Caring for a loved one guide

Download the guide
appointment guide

Appointment guide

Download the guide
coping with breast cancer

METUP UK: Symptoms guide

Download the guide

Helpful links

One Education

The development of soft skills is crucial in nursing. These skills can help set patients’ minds at ease as well as manage your stress and burnout.

Learn more

Cancer Focus

This e-learning module helps you equip parents with the ability to communicate with their children about their cancer.

Learn more

Breast Cancer Now

BCN provide lots of valuable breast cancer resources, including specialised toolkits, resources for your patients, access funds and more.

Learn more

Macmillan Cancer Support

Macmillan offer a wide range of resources and information to support healthcare professionals and their patients.

Learn more

Royal College of Nursing

The RCN is the world’s largest nursing union and professional body. They represent nursing and offer a range of services and support to their members.

Learn more

All patients living with breast cancer deserve access to care and support from a specialist nurse. This can make an enormous difference during the most uncertain time of their lives. At Moments that Count, we aim to help as much as we can by offering tools and resources to support patients on their journey. If you think Moments That Count might be of help to patients in your care, let them know. 

Finally, from all of us here, we want to say…

Thank you.

References:

  1. Kieft, R.A., de Brouwer, B.B., Francke, A.L. et al. How nurses and their work environment affect patient experiences of the quality of care: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 14, 249 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6963-14-249
  2. Rosso R, D’Alonzo M, Bounous VE, Actis S, Cipullo I, Salerno E, Biglia N. Adherence to Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy in Breast Cancer Patients. Curr Oncol. 2023 Jan 21;30(2):1461-1472. doi: 10.3390/curroncol30020112. PMID: 36826073; PMCID: PMC9955792.
  3. Cardoso F, Rihani J, Harmer V, Harbeck N, Casas A, Rugo HS, Fasching PA, Moore A, de Courcy J, Pathak P, Haftchenary S, Aubel D, Schumacher-Wulf E. Quality of Life and Treatment-Related Side Effects in Patients With HR+/HER2- Advanced Breast Cancer: Findings From a Multicountry Survey. Oncologist. 2023 Oct 3;28(10):856-865. doi: 10.1093/oncolo/oyad207. PMID: 37523663; PMCID: PMC10546820.

UK | August 2024 | 448832

 

 

 

 

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Moments That Count has been developed and funded by Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Limited. It has been created in collaboration with secondary breast cancer patients whose knowledge and insights have informed the content and direction for the campaign.

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Reporting side-effects
If you get side effects with any medication you are taking, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the information leaflet that comes in the pack. You can report side effects via the Yellow Card Scheme at By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of your medication.

©2024 Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd - UK | August 2024 | 124182-4 This site is intended for a UK general public audience.