Breast Surgery

Where to Find Support After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis in Australia

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Being told you have breast cancer can feel overwhelming. You may leave your appointment struggling to remember details about your diagnosis, treatments, and recovery. Questions like “How do I tell my family?” or “Can I keep working?” may flood your mind.

You are not alone. Australia offers world-leading breast cancer care and well-organised support services to help you navigate this journey. Two organisations that can make a real difference are the McGrath Foundation and Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA).

McGrath Foundation Breast Care Nurses

Personal, ongoing support — free and centred on you

McGrath Breast Care Nurses are specialist registered nurses who provide practical, emotional, and clinical support for people with breast cancer and their families.

How a McGrath Breast Care Nurse can help

  • Explain your diagnosis in plain language
  • Help you prepare for surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or hormone therapy
  • Support you in managing side effects and recovery
  • Assist with appointments, transport, or accommodation needs
  • Provide emotional support for you and your family

Many patients find their breast care nurse becomes a trusted and reassuring point of contact throughout treatment and recovery.

How to access a McGrath Nurse

If there is no nurse in your local area, telephone support ensures you can still speak with an experienced breast care nurse.

Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA)

Information, connection, and community support

BCNA is Australia’s leading consumer organisation for people affected by breast cancer. While they do not provide clinical care, they offer trusted information, practical tools, and peer support to help you feel informed and less alone.

What BCNA offers

  • Trusted information tailored to your diagnosis and life stage
  • Helpline: 1800 500 258
  • My Journey: personalised online information for your treatment stage
  • My Care Kit: practical tools to track appointments, questions, and wellbeing
  • Peer support: online community with shared lived experiences
  • Practical guidance on work, finances, relationships, and family support

Access BCNA support here: https://www.bcna.org.au/

How They Work Together

  • McGrath nurses provide personalised one-to-one nursing support
  • BCNA provides information, community, and navigation guidance
  • Contacting either organisation can help connect you to the other

What to Expect When You Reach Out

  • You will be listened to without judgement
  • Information will be clear and easy to understand
  • Support is provided at your pace
  • Your privacy and dignity are respected

There is no “right time” to seek support — whether immediately after diagnosis, during treatment, or after treatment ends.

A Final Reassurance

Breast cancer affects more than the body — it touches emotions, family life, work, and identity. Support services exist because no one should have to manage this alone.

If you feel overwhelmed or unsure, reaching out for support can make the journey more manageable. Help is available, and you deserve to be supported every step of the way.