Objective To enhance the quality of breast cancer care by providing special training regarding breast cancer for nurses. Methods Sixty-four nurses from chemoradiotherapy ward for breast cancer were divided into a control group of 30 and an intervention group of 34 according to their working ward. The control group was given routine training, while the intervention group additionally received special training regarding breast cancer, including breast cancer knowledge, practical skills and clinical practice. Results After 2-year training, the intervention group had better performance in breast cancer knowledge, medical English, practical skill and practice test, as well as higher self-reported core competency compared with the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion The practice of special training regarding breast cancer in nurses, can promote their breast cancer care capacity and core competency.