Media Release:

McGrath Foundation Fact Sheet

ABOUT THE MCGRATH FOUNDATION

• Jane McGrath co-founded the McGrath Foundation with her cricketing husband, Glenn, after her initial recovery from breast cancer in 2002
• In 2005 the Foundation was re-launched with the focus firmly placed on both raising funds to provide breast care nurses in rural and regional areas across Australia, while at the same time promoting the importance of being 'breast aware' to younger women
• There are currently eight McGrath Breast Care Nurse in areas as far reaching as Bundaberg (in Queensland), Perth (in WA), Albury Wodonga (on the border of NSW and Victoria) and Bega (in NSW)
• In 2008, the Australian Government pledged $12 million to the McGrath Foundation to support breast care nurses across Australia over the next four years
• On 13th October 2008 the McGrath Foundation and the Federal Government have announced this funding will be used to place specialist breast care nurse in 44 communities across Australia with the majority of these communities in rural and regional areas

KEY STATISTICS

• Currently one in nine Australian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer 1, but not all of them will be fortunate enough to have the support of a breast care nurse
• It costs approximately $350,000 to place a breast cancer nurse in the community for a three year period
• Being 'breast aware' is vital for young women, with over 12,000 new breast cancer cases diagnosed in 2004 1 and a projected incidence of 14,000 in 2011 2

BREAST CARE NURSES

• Breast care nurses are fundamental to women recovering from breast cancer. Breast care nurses are specially trained nurses who act as patient advocates, coordinating care for women with breast cancer, their families and carers

"..it was in 2003 when I was re-diagnosed that I realised the importance of having a breast care nurse, something I was fortunate enough to access for the first time. Someone who could answer the questions only a nurse could answer whilst also being the support I needed to unload my frustrations and emotions.

Having access to a Breast Care Nurse allowed me to be Jane McGrath, the friend, the mother and the wife – not just Jane McGrath the breast cancer survivor "

~ Jane McGrath

• Breast care nurses ensure a woman with breast cancer is fully informed, as they coordinate care across all treatment phases and ensure physical, psychological and basic support needs are met
• The McGrath Foundation works with the community in rural and regional Australia to assess which areas need the support of a breast care nurse the most. Once identified, the McGrath Foundation needs to raise approximately $350,000 to place a breast care nurse in the community for a three year period
• Once a breast care nurse has been placed, our work continues to garner community support to sustain the funding for that nurse. This then enables the McGrath Foundation to focus its fundraising efforts on other areas of need in Australia

BREAST AWARENESS

• The McGrath Foundation understands the importance of educating young women to be 'breast aware', as early detection can save lives
• To give women the tools they need to conduct regular breast checks, the McGrath Foundation has developed a Breast Awareness Card which is distributed at major Foundation events and is also available online at www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au
• Through the Breast Awareness Card and other education initiatives, the McGrath Foundation aims to help women recognise the importance of regular breast checks for their overall health

DONATIONS

• People wanting to show their support for the McGrath Foundation can make a donation via the website at www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au or via:
  Bank: National Australia Bank
  Account Name: McGrath Foundation Ltd
  Account Number: 589271582
  BSB: 082-067

Read our Media Release.

Mum Zone Release Date: 21st October 2008

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