PaNGONA Newsletter – October 2025

Papua New Guinea Oncology Nurses Association (PaNGONA)
Advancing Oncology Nursing Excellence Across PNG Through Education, Research, and Collaboration

Message from the President

Dear Colleagues and Esteemed Members,

As we progress through 2025, PaNGONA remains steadfast in its mission to fortify the oncology nursing workforce in Papua New Guinea, ensuring evidence-based, patient-centric care for individuals affected by cancer. This edition highlights pivotal educational initiatives, professional development opportunities, and advocacy efforts that underpin our commitment to elevating oncology nursing standards nationally and fostering engagement with international peers.

— Peter Fore, RN
President, PaNGONA

News & Updates

1. World Hospice & Palliative Care Day 2025

In collaboration with PNGPCNS, PaNGONA actively participated in World Hospice & Palliative Care Day on Monday, 13th October 2025, hosted at HR Lawn, Port Moresby. The event foregrounded the imperative of delivering dignified, compassionate care to patients at all stages of life. Highlights included keynote presentations, panel discussions on palliative care strategies, and community engagement initiatives. This underscores PaNGONA’s dedication to integrating palliative care principles within oncology practice.

2. CNSA/ICCN 2025 Combined Conference – Adelaide, Australia

Our delegates attended the CNSA/ICCN Conference (June 19–21, 2025), engaging with cutting-edge oncology research, clinical innovations, and global nursing leadership frameworks. Insights from this conference will inform PaNGONA’s strategic educational programs, mentoring frameworks, and advocacy campaigns to strengthen oncology nursing capacity in PNG.

3. PaNGONA Weekly Adult Oncology Nursing Zoom Sessions

Our ongoing adult oncology education series continues to provide clinical, evidence-based learning and expert mentorship:

  • Next session: Thursday, 16th October 2025

  • Presenter: Dr. Pauline Rose – Enhancing Clinical Competency in Adult Oncology Nursing

  • Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM (PNG Time)

These sessions facilitate knowledge translation, promote best practice adoption, and foster interprofessional dialogue.

4. PaNGONA SIOP Monthly Paediatric Oncology Nursing Sessions

Upcoming sessions focus on the clinical management of paediatric malignancies, aligning with WHO index cancers:

  • Thursday, 9th October 2025 – Burkitt’s Lymphoma (Jess Nicholson, CNC)

  • Thursday, 13th November 2025 – Retinoblastoma (Sandra Staffereri)

  • Thursday, 11th December 2025 – Outreach Nursing – How It Can Work in Practice (Jess & Nikki)

These sessions aim to cultivate specialized competencies in paediatric oncology nursing, promoting evidence-based, patient-centered interventions and improving health outcomes.

Strategic Goals of PaNGONA

  • Strengthen the oncology nursing workforce through advanced education and mentorship

  • Promote and integrate evidence-based cancer care into clinical practice

  • Support continuing professional development across nursing cadres

  • Foster national and international collaborations to advance oncology nursing scholarship

  • Encourage research, publication, and academic leadership within the oncology nursing discipline

Advocacy Spotlight

PaNGONA actively advocates for:

  • Universal access to quality, compassionate oncology care in PNG

  • Professional recognition and development opportunities for oncology nurses

  • Public education on early detection, prevention, and palliative care

  • Policy engagement and integration of oncology nursing perspectives into national health strategies

Upcoming Key Events

  • 16–18 December 2026 – 1st PaNGONA National Oncology Nursing Conference
    Theme: “Connecting Nurses, Advancing Cancer Care in PNG”

Engagement Opportunities

PaNGONA invites all members to participate in educational programs, webinars, and advocacy initiatives, thereby contributing to the enhancement of oncology nursing practice and patient outcomes across PNG.

Contact Us:
png.oncologynurses@gmail.com
Website: www.pangonainc.org

Thought of the Month

"Through continuous learning, collaboration, and leadership, oncology nurses empower patients, advance care standards, and shape the future of cancer care in Papua New Guinea."