Leading the Way in Lung Cancer Innovation, Awareness and Support
North Bristol NHS Trust Assistant Chief Nursing Officer champions national efforts to transform lung cancer care
As Lung Cancer Awareness Month shines a spotlight on the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, SWAG Cancer Alliance is proud to highlight the work of Suriya Kirkpatrick, Assistant Chief Nursing Officer for Genomics and Research, who is driving national innovation in lung cancer care, research, and digital transformation.
Internationally educated as Nurse and Midwife, Suriya has more than 30 years of experience, including nearly two decades dedicated to cancer research delivery. Suriya has become a leading voice for patient-centred innovation, genomic integration, and improved support for both people with lung cancer and those who care for them.
Pioneering research to support people living with lung cancer
Suriya is helping shape the future of supportive lung cancer cancer care. She is currently completing her PhD, during which she has developed a new digital self-management platform for people with lung cancer and assessed its feasibility through the LungFit study.
The exercise based digital self-management tool, co-designed with patients, carers, specialist nurses, and clinicians, could help people manage symptoms, improve physical functioning, and access trusted information at the point of need. Early findings from the research suggest that digital interventions are acceptable to people living with lung cancer:
“People living with lung cancer often experience overwhelming and fluctuating symptoms,” she explains. “Digital tools can offer reassurance, practical support, and a stronger sense of control.”
Embedding genomics into everyday cancer care
Alongside her academic work, Suriya leads national initiatives to mainstream genomics across the nursing and midwifery workforce. She is co-developing a national competency framework for circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) testing, an emerging technology that detects tumour mutations through a simple blood test.
“Genomics allows us to personalise treatments with greater precision,” she says. “For lung cancer, ctDNA testing provides real-time insight into the disease, helping clinicians choose the most effective therapies sooner.”
Her leadership is helping to ensure that nurses across the UK are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to deliver the next generation of cancer diagnostics safely and consistently.
Improving data quality to reduce inequalities
A passionate advocate for inclusion and equity, Suriya is focused on improving the completeness and accuracy of ethnicity data within her NHSD organisation. Accurate data, she argues, is the foundation for inclusive trial design and equitable care.
“Too many communities are underrepresented in lung cancer research,” she says. “Improving data quality alongside other valuable incentives is a crucial first step in reducing inequalities and ensuring that lung cancer advances benefit everyone.”
National leadership roles in lung cancer nursing
Beyond her Trust responsibilities, Suriya serves as Chair of the Lung Cancer Nursing UK Research Interest Group and was recently appointed to the UK Oncology Nursing Society (UKONS) Board, where she supports the development of evidence-informed practice and champions professional growth for cancer nurses across the UK.
Her collaborative projects span supportive care, digital innovation, research capacity and capability-building, mainstreaming genomic testing, and supporting genomic education programmes.
Challenging stigma and promoting early detection
A key message this Lung Cancer Awareness Month is the need to challenge persistent misconceptions. “Lung cancer does not only affect people who smoke,” she stresses. “Many people diagnosed today have never smoked. Genetics and environmental exposure also play significant roles.”
She emphasises that stigma can prevent people from seeking help early, deter participation in screening, and add emotional distress to an already challenging diagnosis.
“Reducing stigma is a collective effort; we need open conversations, supportive messaging, and community engagement. When healthcare professionals, patients, carers, and the public work together, awareness grows, and outcomes improve.”
A vision for the next five years
Looking ahead, Suriya hopes to see:
- Digital self-management tools embedded as standard in lung cancer care
- Genomic testing, including ctDNA, is routinely used to guide personalised treatment
- More diverse and representative participation in research
- A research-active nursing workforce where every nurse sees research as part of their role
- Better support and recognition for carers as essential partners in lung cancer care
A message for Lung Cancer Awareness Month
“Lung cancer care is changing,” Suriya says. “Through genomics, digital innovation, and inclusive research, we have an opportunity to improve early diagnosis, personalise treatment, and strengthen support for both patients and carers. Awareness Months reminds us that behind every diagnosis is a person, and a family deserving of compassion, dignity, and world-class care.”
