Additional support for people living with advanced breast cancer is now available in Northern NSW, thanks to the employment of the District’s first McGrath Cancer Care Nurse for Advanced Breast Cancer.
Clinical Nurse Consultant Gabrielle Gardem began work with the District in July last year, specialising in providing support for patients living with metastatic breast cancer.
She is keen to let Northern NSW Local Health District staff and General Practitioners know her services are available for referral.
“We’ve always had breast cancer nurses in the District, but by having my role focus on patients living with advanced or metastatic breast cancer, it frees up the other nurses to specialise in early breast cancer intervention and treatment,” Gabi said.
“Anyone can refer their patients to me, including nurses and allied health professionals as well as the patients themselves.”
Gabi provides all kinds of support, from education and answering questions, to reassurance around treatment decisions and enhanced practical support.
Based in Tweed, she runs a support clinic each week – rotating through Ballina, Byron, Grafton, Lismore, Maclean and Murwillumbah – ensuring her services are accessible for patients across the District.
The focus on metastatic breast cancer is increasing, with Qld recently joining NSW in becoming just the second state to collect metastatic breast cancer data – taking Australia one step closer to national visibility for people living with the disease.
Metastatic breast cancer is an invasive form of breast cancer which has spread from the breast to other parts of the body. In October 2024, the Cancer Institute NSW identified there were around 7,850 women and 50 men in NSW living with metastatic breast cancer.
Gabi’s role is supported by the McGrath Foundation, whose nurses provide free care and support by being a key point of contact for people and their families during breast cancer treatment.
They are trusted, consistent and knowledgeable, and can explain complicated aspects of treatment to those diagnosed, during what can be an incredibly stressful period. The support of a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse is free and available without a doctor’s referral.
Contact Gabi via email or phone 02 6676 9000 or 0477 145 954.