St. Vincent’s University Hospital (SVUH) hosted the inaugural Liver Cancer Nurse’s Study Day today, with Prof Risteárd Ó Laoide, National Director of the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), delivering the opening address. This is the first event of its kind in Ireland, drawing over 70 nurses from across the country. The event provided a much-needed platform for education, knowledge sharing and peer networking, particularly focused on Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)—the most common form of primary liver cancer.

Taking place during Liver Cancer Awareness Month, the event is a significant milestone in Ireland’s efforts to raise awareness about liver cancer. As the country’s only comprehensive service for liver cancer, St Vincent’s has taken the lead in providing vital education for healthcare professionals who are at the forefront of patient care.

Michèle Bourke, HCC ANP at St Vincent’s and the event organiser, shared:

“October is Liver Cancer Awareness Month. As there is so little awareness of this disease nationally, we are proud to present this inaugural event. The incidence of liver disease is rising in the Western world, and with that, so too is primary liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma. Today has been about education, information sharing, discussing best practice initiatives and peer networking. We are so delighted to have had more than 70 nurses attend today’s Study Day, coming from all over Ireland. The response has been phenomenal, with many already asking us to organise another event next year.”

The day featured a comprehensive programme covering key topics such as liver transplantation, systemic therapies, palliative care and psychological support for liver cancer patients. 

The event reflects St Vincent’s commitment to advancing liver cancer care in Ireland and addressing the critical shortage of education for healthcare professionals dealing with this rare but increasingly common cancer type.