The nine months in which she has worked as a McGrath Breast Care Nurse at Bendigo Health have differed from her first three years in the role, when she was based in Geraldton.

For one thing, Miss Hayes said the coastal Western Australian city was more regional. 

“Women had to travel five hours for surgery and radiotherapy,” she said.

“At this centre, we do everything.”

Miss Hayes said there were also many more patients in Bendigo than in Geraldton, with people coming from as far as Mildura, Swan Hill, Echuca and southern New South Wales for treatment. 

Breast cancer accounted for 30 per cent of cancer diagnoses in Loddon Mallee women in 2016 – more than any other form.

Miss Hayes is one of two McGrath Breast Care Nurses in Bendigo, alongside Rosie Gillies at St John of God Bendigo Hospital. She replaced Sharon Salter, one of Bendigo’s first McGrath Breast Care Nurses. 

Almost 1500 Loddon Mallee families have received support from McGrath Breast Care Nurses since the roles were introduced in Bendigo in 2012.

RELATED: Bendigo women get double the care

Most days, Miss Hayes says her role involves attending clinics with surgeons.

By that stage, she said patients were either aware they had breast cancer or that it was a possibility.

“Often at that time they’re trying to be brave,” Miss Hayes said.

Everybody was different, but she said patients could often use some support with managing all the appointments and information that followed a breast cancer diagnosis.

“It’s very rewarding, especially when you can follow a patient through [their care],” Miss Hayes said.

At a time when much was changing in a patient’s life, she said the idea of a breast care nurse was to be a constant.

“Also being that sort of link between resources,” Miss Hayes said.

RELATED: Be aware; know your pair: McGrath Breast Care Nurses help educate people about breast cancer

The path to becoming a breast care nurse has involved a lot of study.

Miss Hayes studied her nursing degree in Bendigo. She has also completed a Graduate Diploma of Public Health, a Graduate Certificate in Nursing (Cancer Care), and a Graduate Certificate in Breast Cancer Nursing.

She worked as a clinical trials coordinator in remote communities in the Northern Territory, before becoming a palliative care and cancer care coordinator in Geraldton. 

From there, she made the shift to become a breast care nurse.

Miss Hayes said it was her role in cancer care coordination that made her realise she might enjoy being a breast care nurse.

“You’re not so hands-on clinical all the time… it’s more holistic,” she said. 

“It’s wonderful to come home to help people with breast cancer navigate their experience and coordinate their care.”

McGrath Foundation chief executive Holly Masters said McGrath Breast Care Nurses acted as patient advocates. 

“They coordinate care not only for people with breast cancer, but also for the families and carers,” she said.

“The service is available by self-referral and is entirely free.”

To find a McGrath Breast Care Nurse, click here.

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