AIM: To understand the differences in perceived learning needs between cancer patients and nurses. DESIGN: A cross-sectional descriptive design. METHODS: Data were collected from 1147 cancer patients and 1000 nurses using a convenience sampling method from February 2022 to June 2023. Sociodemographic data of patients and nurses were collected through a self-designed general information questionnaire. Patients and nurses completed the Revised Chinese version of the Patient Learning Needs Scale to identify their perceptions of the learning needs and the difference between patient and nurse knowledge of needs. RESULTS: According to cancer patients and nurses, the top learning needs were information on complications and symptoms. In contrast, patients perceived the lowest priority learning needs to be disease-related issues, while nurses perceived the lowest priority learning needs to be daily treatment and activities. CONCLUSIONS: Patients and nurses have different views on the essential contents to be learned, highlighting the importance of considering these two aspects in formulating health education programmes. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Participating cancer patients and nurses took the time to complete the questionnaire during the data collection phase and answered the questions sincerely.