People experiencing breast cancer and their families on the Gold Coast, including those with metastatic breast cancer, will receive a huge boost in support with the appointment of the first two McGrath Breast Care Nurses to the area.
With more than 3,600 people in Queensland diagnosed with breast cancer each year [1], and one in seven women in Australia diagnosed in their lifetime [2], there is an increasing need for specialist McGrath Breast Care Nurses to support people impacted by the disease.
Research by the McGrath Foundation shows that early access to a McGrath Breast Care Nurse improves both the outcomes and experience of a person with breast cancer [3].
Holly Masters, McGrath Foundation CEO, said the new nurses will provide free care and support for hundreds of families in the community.
“McGrath Breast Care Nurses are clinical experts who help people with breast cancer navigate the medical system, from diagnosis and throughout treatment. Our nurses become a trusted, consistent and knowledgeable advocate for those with breast cancer and we are incredibly proud to make this service available on the Gold Coast for the first time,” Masters continued.
The two new McGrath Breast Care Nurses are located at Gold Coast University Hospital, with one position dedicated to supporting people with metastatic breast cancer. Metastatic breast cancer refers to when breast cancer has spread beyond the primary tumour site of the breast to other parts of the body, with the focus of treatment on prolonging life and ensuring quality of life is maximised.
The support of a McGrath Breast Care Nurse is a free service, no matter where you live.
There are 39 McGrath Breast Care Nurses located throughout Queensland, including 6 nurses dedicated to the care of metastatic patients. To get in touch with the two new nurses at Gold Coast University Hospital, or to find your nearest McGrath Breast Care Nurse, visit mcgrathfoundation.com.au/get-support/find-a-nurse.
[1] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2022. Cancer data in Australia. Cat. no. CAN 122. Canberra: AIHW. Accessed Feb 2023.
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer/cancer-data-in-australia
[2] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2022. Cancer data in Australia. Cat. no. CAN 122. Canberra: AIHW. Accessed June 2022;
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer/cancer-data-in-australia
[3] Health Consult, “Evaluation of the Second Federal Government Funded Breast Care Initiative – Final Evaluation Report” 2016
