I am an acute oncology and cancer of unknown primary (CUP) nurse consultant. Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is a cancer that has spread (metastasized) but the primary site cannot be found despite extensive testing. It is the sixth most common cause of cancer death in the UK, but many people have never heard about it.

My Fellowship explores managing uncertainty and providing psychological and emotional support for patients with CUP. I will learn from the Australian SUPER NEXT team as they have focused on not only improving diagnostic techniques, genomic testing and treatments but also the psychological impact of CUP. They have a wide network of experts across Australia who work closely together to ensure the best support for patients with CUP, despite the geographical challenges.

I have seen at first hand the psychological impact the uncertainty of a CUP diagnosis brings and the devastating effects on patients and their families. I am passionate to learn and improve this for people with CUP, then to share this learning with other professions and create a CUP expert network to improve the equity and quality of care for people with CUP in the UK.