Boost to breast care nursing services for Queensland breast cancer patients.
People being treated for breast cancer and their families in Queensland will benefit from a huge increase to breast care nursing services, as the McGrath Foundation welcomes ten new McGrath Breast Care Nurses to communities throughout the state.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Queensland women and, with one in seven women in Australia diagnosed in their lifetime, there comes an increasing need for specialist McGrath Breast Care Nurses to support people impacted by the disease.
This news comes off the back of the McGrath Foundation’s recent announcement that it is committing to funding 250 McGrath Breast Care Nurses by 2025, which will be the Foundation’s 20th anniversary. The Foundation now funds 185 McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities across Australia, 36 of whom are in Queensland.
Tracy Bevan, McGrath Foundation Ambassador & Director, is thrilled to welcome the new McGrath Breast Care Nurses.
“We are incredibly proud to facilitate this important increase in support for people with breast cancer across Queensland.
“Our mission is to ensure that no one goes through breast cancer without the care of a breast care nurse and these 10 new nurses will brings us closer to achieving that goal.
The new McGrath Breast Care Nurses will provide free physical, psychological and emotional support to people with breast cancer, becoming a trusted, consistent and knowledgeable point of contact. They are based at locations across the state including West Moreton Hospital and Health Service, Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, Sunshine Coast University Hospital and Nambour General Hospital, North Lakes Health Precinct and The Prince Charles Hospital, Caboolture Hospital, Redcliffe Hospital, Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service and Redland Hospital.
Of the ten new positions, three are dedicated to supporting people with metastatic breast cancer, in Ipswich, the Sunshine Coast and North Brisbane. Metastatic breast cancer refers to when breast cancer has spread beyond the primary tumour site of the breast to other parts of the body. The needs of those diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer differ to those with early-stage breast cancer, with the focus of treatment on prolonging life and ensuring the quality of life is maximised.
The support of a McGrath Breast Care Nurse is a free service, no matter where you live and doesn’t require a doctor’s referral. To find your nearest McGrath Breast Care Nurse, visit mcgrathfoundation.com.au/get-support/find-a-nurse.
