Bilal, Palestinian Territories

Bilal Awad, a Palestinian Oncology and Palliative Care Nurse with over 18 years of experience in cancer and critical care. I am a PhD candidate, lecturer, and clinical instructor, deeply involved in cancer nursing education, research, and patient advocacy. My academic and clinical journey has been shaped by daily work with cancer patients and their families, particularly within limited-resource and humanitarian settings.

This artwork reflects my personal and professional experience in helping cancer patients and standing beside them throughout their journey. Cancer, for me, is not only a diagnosis or a research topic it is a lived experience shared with patients during moments of fear, pain, hope, and resilience.

The artwork symbolizes compassionate care, dignity, and continuity. It represents the nurse as a constant presence from prevention and early detection, through treatment, to palliative and end-of-life care. The use of light and connection in the artwork reflects hope, education, and the belief that every patient deserves equitable and humane cancer care.

My work in clinical practice, teaching, and research has strengthened my belief that fighting cancer requires more than medical treatment. It requires listening, advocacy, ethical care, and emotional support. Through my PhD studies and professional activities, I aim to improve cancer care systems, empower nurses, and amplify the voices of patients who are often unheard.

On World Cancer Day, this artwork tells a simple but powerful message:
Cancer care is a human right, and no patient should face cancer alone.