Nursing the oncology patient: Demystifying diagnosis

Diagnosis sits at the centre of every oncology case, yet the steps between “there’s a mass” and “here’s the plan” are often the least well understood part of the journey for veterinary nurses. This session walks through the full diagnostic pathway from a nursing perspective: why diagnosis matters and when it doesn’t, the RVN’s role at each stage, correct technique for cytology, biopsy and effusion sampling, how to read and interpret a histopathology report, and when additional testing such as IHC, PARR, flow cytometry or molecular markers add real diagnostic value. Two worked cases bring the pathway together end to end. By the end of this session, nurses will be able to support every stage of the diagnostic process with greater confidence and understanding of why each step matters.

Inge Breathnach

RVN, VTS (Oncology)

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Inge qualified in 2007, spending 8 years in small animal practices in Ireland and Australia. In 2015 she relocated, working as both a surgical and medical oncology referral nurse, first in Surrey, and then Buckinghamshire. Inge moved to Bristol in 2023, working with an amazing team providing a wide range of veterinary cancer treatments including radiation therapy. Inge has developed a deep passion for supporting pet carers and helping enhance patient quality of life, inspired by her personal experience of losing her beloved dog, Erik, to cancer in recent years. She is also a firm advocate for veterinary nurse development and education and enjoys sharing her oncology knowledge with others via her Instagram page @OncologyRVN. Inge Breathnach DipVn DipAVn (Small Animal) PgCert AVN (oncology) VTS/VNS (Oncology) RVN