Nominations are now open for Wales’ only dedicated cancer awards.
Held every two years, the Moondance Cancer Awards celebrate and spotlight individuals, teams and collaborations across NHS Wales and its partners who deliver, lead and innovate cancer services.
At the 2024 awards, team winners were recognised for innovations ranging from 3D-printed eye shields for radiotherapy to the expansion of teenage and young adult cancer services, an operational pilot for lung health checks in Wales and improving equity of care for metastatic breast cancer patients. Individual awards recognised those whose leadership has reshaped pathways and improved outcomes for patients across Wales.
The awards are independently organised by Moondance Cancer Initiative, who find, fund and fuel brilliant people and brave ideas to make Wales a world leader in cancer survival. Wendy Evans, managing director at Moondance Cancer Initiative, said: “Across Wales, those working in cancer services are delivering extraordinary work under significant pressure. Many of the improvements we see are shaped by collaboration, whether across teams, organisations or sectors. The Moondance Cancer Awards highlight individuals, teams and partnerships turning ambition into action.
“If you’ve changed a pathway, strengthened a service, or improved patient experience, whether that is a local improvement or a national innovation, we want to hear from you.
“By recognising and celebrating impact, we can help great ideas travel further.”
Jody Parker, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and a winner at the 2024 awards for her work leading the All-Wales Colorectal Peritoneal Metastasis Service, said: “To be recognised at the awards is amazing. It symbolises all the hard work that goes on by everyone behind the scenes who work hard day-to-day to ensure that patients continue to benefit from the services we provide.”
The Celebration and Awards Night will take place at Depot, Cardiff, on Thursday 11 June 2026. Hosted by Welsh broadcaster Owain Wyn Evans, the evening will showcase Welsh talent beyond the award recipients, with street food from local vendors and live music from a Welsh band. All shortlisted nominees and their nominators will receive complimentary tickets to the event from Moondance Cancer Initiative in recognition of their dedication and commitment to cancer services across Wales.
With 10 awards across three categories, the Moondance Cancer Awards showcase impactful work at every stage of the cancer pathway. The 2026 awards include:
Achievement: This category recognises individuals, teams and collaborations that have
enabled positive change for people affected by cancer. Awards include:
- Better Patient Experience
- Working Together
- Collaborating with Partners
- Patient & Public Participation & Involvement
Innovation & Improvement: This category celebrates individuals and teams who have delivered ambitious and effective innovation or improvement within cancer services, resulting in meaningful improvements for people affected by cancer. Awards include:
- Detection & Diagnosis
- Cancer Treatment
- Cancer Workforce
Excellence: The category spotlights individuals whose leadership, coordination, and day-to-day practice have driven meaningful change in cancer services, resulting in better outcomes and experiences for people affected by cancer in Wales. Awards include:
- Cancer Services Leadership & Delivery
- Nursing, Clinical & Diagnostic Practice
- Medical
Nominations will close on Wednesday 15 April. For more information on the awards and to submit a nomination, visit: Moondance Cancer Awards | Moondance Cancer Initiative (moondance-cancer.wales)
