Perth will now benefit from access to a McGrath Breast Care Nurse dedicated specifically to patients with metastatic (secondary) breast cancer.

Newly appointed McGrath Breast Care Nurse, Karen Sprigg is based at Breast Cancer Care WA and specialises in providing physical, psychological and emotional support to women with secondary stage four breast cancer.

This support is provided free of charge and can be accessed through self-referral.

“The most important thing I do is listen to what the experience is like for my patients and allay their fears and concerns by providing relevant information, support and referral to other services,” says Sprigg.

Petra Buchanan, CEO of the McGrath Foundation, said “Our recent research tells us that many more breast cancer nurses are needed in Australia and it is wonderful that we are able to support a dedicated Metastatic Breast Cancer Nurse alongside the 12 McGrath Breast Care Nurses in Western Australia.

“The needs for patients with metastatic disease are really quite different and the demand for this support is growing,” said Buchanan.

It costs $380,000 to place a McGrath Breast Care Nurse in the community for three years.

Zoe McAlpine, CEO of Breast Cancer Care WA said, “In 2015 we saw a 40 per cent rise in clients with metastatic breast cancer; this makes Karen’s role even more critical within our team.”