New Delhi: RGCIRC (Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre), one of India’s eminent cancer institutes, successfully hosted NURSICON 2026 – “Threads of Hope: Oncology Nursing Care Beyond Cure” on September 18 and 19, 2026. The two-day academic conference brought together nursing professionals, clinicians, educators and healthcare experts to discuss the evolving role of oncology nurses across the cancer care continuum, from treatment and patient safety to supportive care, rehabilitation and survivorship.
The conference placed oncology nurses at the centre of multidisciplinary cancer care, recognising that their responsibilities extend far beyond administering treatment. Through scientific sessions, panel discussions, abstract presentations and interactive learning, NURSICON 2026 explored how nurses can contribute to safer care, better patient experiences and stronger support systems for patients and families.
The first day opened with a session on “The Happiness Prescription: A Dose for Every Nurse”, followed by discussions on ethical issues and patient rights in end-of-life cancer care, advances in systemic therapy, patient safety in the operation theatre and nursing perspectives in paediatric oncology emergencies. The programme also featured “The Threads that Hold Us: A Family’s Tribute to Oncology Nurses,” reflecting the emotional and human impact of nursing care on patients and caregivers.
A key highlight was the panel discussion “Happy Hormones, Healthy Nurses: Can Wellbeing Transform Patient Care?”, moderated by Col. Madhumita Dhall, Director of Nursing, RGCIRC. The panel brought together senior nursing leaders and healthcare professionals from institutions including Tata Medical Center, VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Medanta and RGCIRC, highlighting the growing importance of caregiver wellbeing in sustaining high-quality patient care.
Speaking on the occasion, Col. Madhumita Dhall, Director of Nursing, RGCIRC, said, “Oncology nursing demands clinical skill, emotional resilience and an ability to support patients through some of the most difficult phases of their lives. NURSICON 2026 was designed to look beyond procedures and protocols and recognise the wider role nurses play in safety, communication, dignity and continuity of care. Equally important is the wellbeing of nurses themselves, because compassionate care can only be sustained when caregivers are also supported.”
The first day also covered reliable vascular access, living with a stoma, prevention of central line-associated bloodstream infections, advances in pressure injury assessment and staging, and concluded with a cultural programme.
Day two began with abstract presentations, followed by sessions addressing preventive oncology, nutrition, bone marrow transplant care, early supportive care, wound management, infection prevention in immunocompromised patients, nurse wellbeing and ostomy management. The programme also examined how oncology nurses increasingly serve as “safety sentinels” in modern cancer care, reinforcing their role in identifying risks, coordinating care and protecting patients throughout treatment.
The conference also reflected the multidisciplinary nature of contemporary oncology nursing. Specialists from preventive oncology, medical oncology, paediatric oncology, haemato-oncology and BMT, psycho-oncology, microbiology and infection control, dietetics and anaesthesiology contributed to the scientific programme, enabling nursing professionals to engage with different aspects of cancer care.
Dr. Dharmendra Singh Gangwar, CEO, RGCIRC, said, “Nurses are among the most constant points of contact for patients and families throughout the cancer journey. Their contribution extends from clinical safety and treatment delivery to emotional support, education and rehabilitation. Through platforms such as NURSICON, we aim to strengthen professional development, encourage knowledge exchange and ensure that nursing continues to evolve alongside advances in oncology.”
NURSICON 2026 also provided participants with opportunities to share research and practical experiences through abstract presentations and focused discussions. By bringing together professionals from different institutions and specialties, the conference encouraged collaborative learning and reinforced the importance of evidence-based nursing practices in improving cancer care.
Through NURSICON 2026, RGCIRC reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening nursing education, professional development and multidisciplinary oncology care. Guided by its core values of Ethics, Empathy and Excellence, the institute continues to support initiatives that empower nurses to play an increasingly central role in patient safety, recovery, wellbeing and life beyond cancer.