Gold Coast behind other regional Qld areas in terms of breast cancer support according to patient Cath Dodds

A breast cancer patient is calling for more support services as the city faces a shortage of specialist breast care nurses, falling far behind other regional Qld areas.

A breast cancer patient is calling for more support services as the city faces a shortage of specialist breast care nurses.

The Gold Coast region does not have any McGrath breast care nurses, compared to 21 in Brisbane, five in the Sunshine Coast and two in Toowoomba.

These nurses provide physical, psychological and emotional support to those affected by breast cancer from diagnosis and throughout treatment.

Cath Dodd, who is currently going through treatment for breast cancer, at her Coomera home. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Cath Dodd has thrown her support behind an online petition calling for more services.

Ms Dodd was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer in April.

She questioned why the Gold Coast did not have the same support as smaller regional areas.

“I’ve just found there’s no real support,” the cancer patient said.

“When it’s all brand new to you, you expect people to reach out to you and not you to contact them.

“I feel like I’m just sort of floundering a little bit.”

A McGrath Foundation spokeswoman said two new McGrath breast care nurse positions would be funded at Gold Coast University Hospital.

“Recruitment for the two positions is about to commence and we hope to have nurses in place soon,” she said.

A Gold Coast Health spokeswoman said: “the nurses will join Gold Coast Health specialist cancer care nurses and surgical breast care nurses who already provide care and support for our consumers”.

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