One in eight Australian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 85.
To make the road from diagnosis to treatment and hopeful recovery a bit easier, McGrath Foundation breast care nurse Kim Wright is one of many people who provide support to patients and their families.
The aim of this year’s McGrath Foundation Pink Up Your Town initiative is to fund more specialist nurses like Ms Wright.
Breast care nurses provide physical, psychological and emotional support. Since 2005, more than 60,000 families have been supported by 119 McGrath breast care nurses.
Ms Wright works with patients at St George and Sutherland hospitals, and supports the oncology clinic at Sutherland. She is one of four breast care nurses at St George, and the only McGrath one.
She also facilitates a local support group in St George and Sutherland Shire at Tradies Gymea on the first Wednesday of each month.
“I see patients throughout their breast cancer journey,” she said. “A diagnosis can be a very scary time and it’s often overwhelming for people because it can happen very quickly.
“I spend times with patients, talk about what’s concerning them, and I’m there to answer questions about their chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, and how they are feeling after surgery.”
She says the role is especially important for people who may feel isolated.
“They may not have family around, so knowing somebody is there to help coordinate care including doctor’s appointments, is helpful,” she said.
“It’s rewarding to know you’ve played some part in helping patients.”
Ms Wright’s patients vary in age – from their 30s through to their 80s – and a little known fact is that she also helps men.
“It’s not commonly assumed that men get breast cancer,” she said. “It’s a very small percentage – one per cent – who will be diagnosed. In 2012, 116 men were diagnosed in Australia. At least three men I’m working with at the moment are having treatment.”
She says while treatment has come a long way, more research is needed into metastasis – where cancer has spread to different parts of the body.
“Our ability to treat breast cancer has improved – a lot more patients are surviving post-diagnosis because there is lot being put into research,” she said.
“Patients are living longer but they also have different needs such as psychological support because they are dealing with a life-limiting disease.”
This year will be Ms Wright’s first year participating in Pink Up Your Town.
“I’ve heard it’s enjoyable and it is a worthwhile contribution,” she said.