Bridging borders in cancer nursing education: A curriculum analysis across participating universities

In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, cancer care education stands at the crossroads of science, compassion, and innovation. As cancer nursing takes on an increasingly genomic and personalized approach, universities across Europe and beyond are reimagining their curricula to prepare nurses who can meet the complex demands of modern cancer care.

A comparative analysis of curricula from three participating universities — Turku University of Applied Sciences (Turku UAS), the University of Galway (UoG), and the University of Osijek (FDMZ) — offers valuable insights into how different institutions approach cancer and palliative care education.

Core focus areas in cancer nursing education

Despite geographical differences all three universities share a common goal: the commitment to integrated, patient-centered cancer education that equips future nurses with both clinical and empathetic competencies.

Key content areas include:

• Cancer and its prevention — from epidemiology to risk factor management and early detection strategies.
• Palliative and end-of-life care — including symptom management, pain control, bereavement support, and ethical decision-making.
• Patient safety and interprofessional collaboration — highlighting teamwork, documentation, and communication as essential skills.
• Therapeutic interventions — covering anticancer drugs, radiotherapy, and novel approaches like gene therapy.
• Comprehensive patient and family support.

This shared foundation ensures that nursing graduates are equipped to meet the complex physical, emotional, and social needs of cancer patients.

The genomic dimension: Integrating cancer genetics

What distinguishes the modern cancer nursing curriculum is the growing emphasis on genomics and precision medicine.

At the University of Galway, for instance, modules on cancer genetics and advances in genetic research ensure that nursing students understand the molecular underpinnings of cancer and their implications for care. This shift reflects the global movement toward personalized oncology, where treatment is tailored to each patient’s genetic profile.

This forward-looking approach prepares nurses to interpret genetic information, collaborate in precision care teams, and guide patients through increasingly individualized treatment plans. 

Learning outcomes that reflect a global vision

Despite differences in structure and focus, all three curricula share a set of transformative learning outcomes:

• Understanding cancer as a disease from a biological, psychological, and social perspective.
• Applying evidence-based approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and care.
• Demonstrating empathy and cultural sensitivity in end-of-life care.
• Working effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Embracing lifelong learning as a cornerstone of professional growth.

These outcomes reflect a shared philosophy: nursing in cancer care is both science and art — requiring not only technical expertise but also emotional intelligence, cultural competence, and resilience.

Towards harmonization and collaboration

While Turku UAS emphasizes proactive treatment planning and patient-family support, UoG focuses on chronic condition management and the psychosocial dimensions of care, and FDMZ strengthens foundations in clinical oncology procedures and protective measures. Together, these programs illustrate the diversity and richness of nursing education in Europe, as well as the opportunity for cross-institutional collaboration to develop harmonized, evidence-based curricula.

By sharing pedagogical innovations and clinical best practices, universities can collectively raise the standard of cancer nursing education and ensure that nurses are fully prepared to support patients across the cancer continuum — from prevention to survivorship and palliation.

Conclusion

This curriculum analysis reveals a unified mission across institutions: to prepare nurses who are not only clinically competent but also compassionate advocates for patients and families. As genomic technologies and personalized medicine continue to reshape cancer care, the integration of these themes into nursing education becomes not just relevant, but essential. This will ensure that future nurses are ready to lead — providing care that is personalized, evidence-based, and human-centered.

In the end, the message is clear — the future of cancer nursing lies in collaboration, innovation, and compassion.

Writer: Silvija Piškorjanac, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Croatia