Nominations Open for Wales' Premier Cancer Awards Celebrating NHS Excellence
Nominations have officially opened for the Moondance Cancer Awards, Wales' only dedicated awards programme honouring outstanding contributions in cancer care. Held every two years, these prestigious awards shine a spotlight on individuals, teams, and collaborative partnerships across NHS Wales and its allied organisations who deliver, lead, and innovate in cancer services.
Celebrating Past Achievements and Future Innovations
At the 2024 awards, four teams from Cardiff and Vale University Health Board were recognised for their exceptional work. Among the winners was QuicDNA, which received the accolade in the Working with Industry and Third Sector category within Innovation and Improvement. This award celebrated their pioneering use of liquid biopsy testing upon suspicion of lung cancer, showcasing groundbreaking advancements in early detection.
The Moondance Cancer Awards are independently organised by the Moondance Cancer Initiative, an organisation dedicated to finding, funding, and fuelling brilliant people and brave ideas to position Wales as a world leader in cancer survival rates.
Voices from the Frontlines of Cancer Care
Wendy Evans, managing director at Moondance Cancer Initiative, emphasised the importance of these awards. "Across Wales, those working in cancer services are delivering extraordinary work under significant pressure," she stated. "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."
Evans continued, "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, a consultant colorectal surgeon at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and a winner at the 2024 awards for her leadership of the All-Wales Colorectal Peritoneal Metastasis Service, shared her experience. "To be recognised at the awards is amazing," she said. "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."
A Night of Celebration in Cardiff
The celebration and awards night is scheduled to take place at Depot in Cardiff on Thursday, June 11, 2026. Hosted by renowned Welsh broadcaster Owain Wyn Evans, the evening promises to showcase Welsh talent beyond the award recipients. Attendees can enjoy street food from local vendors and live music from a Welsh band, creating a vibrant atmosphere of community and recognition.
All shortlisted nominees and their nominators will receive complimentary tickets to the event from Moondance Cancer Initiative. This gesture acknowledges their dedication and commitment to enhancing cancer services across Wales.
Award Categories and Nomination Details
With ten awards across three distinct categories, the Moondance Cancer Awards highlight impactful work at every stage of the cancer pathway. The 2026 awards feature the following categories:
- 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 and Public Participation Involvement
- Innovation and 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 and Diagnosis
- Cancer Treatment
- Cancer Workforce Excellence: This 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 and Delivery
- Nursing, Clinical and Diagnostic Practice Medical
Nominations will close on Wednesday, April 15. For more information on the awards and to submit a nomination, individuals are encouraged to visit the official Moondance Cancer Awards website. This initiative continues to foster excellence and innovation in cancer care across Wales, recognising those who make a tangible difference in patients' lives.
