Prof. Gülbeyaz Can

Biography and Expertise of Prof. Gülbeyaz Can

Prof. Dr. Gülbeyaz Canhttps://avesis.iuc.edu.tr/gulbeyaz https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5368-0893Prof. Dr. Gülbeyaz Can is a distinguished scholar in oncology nursing and palliative care, internationally recognized for her pioneering work on the integration of complementary and non-pharmacological approaches into cancer care.With over 33 years of nursing experience, she combines extensive clinical expertise with a strong academic background. Alongside her academic career, she has been actively engaged in clinical practice since 2005 as a clinical nurse consultant, with a particular focus on patient education and counseling in oncology. Her research centers on evidence-based symptom management, aiming to improve the quality of life of individuals living with cancer.Throughout her career, she has led and contributed to numerous randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and methodological studies examining the effectiveness of complementary interventions such as acupressure, reflexology, aromatherapy, mindfulness-based approaches, exercise, breathing techniques, and touch-based therapies in managing cancer-related symptoms.In addition to her research, Prof. Dr. Can has played a leading role in shaping oncology nursing practice in Türkiye. She has organized and led nine national consensus meetings focused on evidence-based symptom management in oncology, through which standards of care in oncology nursing were established to improve patient outcomes. The outcomes of these meetings were disseminated through reference books that have been widely used by oncology nurses across the country.Prof. Dr. Can is also actively involved in professional leadership at both national and international levels. She currently serves as a Board Member of the European Oncology Nursing Society (EONS) and as a Board Member of the Turkish Oncology Nursing Society, contributing to the advancement of oncology nursing education, research, professional standards, and patient-centered cancer care. Through these leadership roles, she contributes to the development of the oncology nursing profession and the strengthening of international collaboration in cancer care.Prof. Dr. Can has an extensive record of national and international publications, conference presentations, and invited lectures, contributing significantly to the scientific literature in oncology, palliative care, symptom management, and integrative cancer care. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she was awarded the Leman Birol Award (2005) and the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) International Award for Contributions to Cancer Care (2018).Overall, her work has had a substantial impact on both academia and clinical practice by advancing evidence-based, integrative, and patient-centered approaches in oncology nursing. Her academic leadership, clinical expertise, professional contributions, and international engagement have positioned her as an influential voice in the development of contemporary oncology nursing practice and cancer care.