Claire Job, Sally Anstey and Jane Hopkinson discuss how listening to individuals’ stories can improve education

UK cancer policy aims to improve the quality of cancer services and enhance the experience of people affected by cancer. A recognised barrier to improving services is healthcare professionals’ lack of insight into patients’ and carers’ experiences; this article reports on the process of integrating these into a cancer education programme for nursing students. The cancer academic team identified patients and carers to help co-produce the programme. Students had an opportunity to listen to patients’ and carers’ stories and to learn from – rather than about – patients. Small-group work enabled patients, carers and students to explore the cancer experience in a safe and supportive setting. Working collaboratively with people affected by cancer ensured that the focus was on their experience, placing it at the core of the cancer education programme.