The Adelaide Hills, Mount Barker, and surrounding areas will receive a McGrath Foundation first with the appointment of McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, Carissa Stone, who will care for patients across the region experiencing any type of cancer.
Carissa will join the two other McGrath Cancer Care Nurses based in the Adelaide Hills Community Health Service who both support people with breast cancer.
This appointment follows the 2025 Pink Test announcement that the Foundation will expand its nursing care beyond breast cancer, to support people with any type of cancer.
With around 1 in 2 people diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime and over 160,000 people diagnosed with cancer in Australia this year 1 there is a substantial need for supportive cancer care provided by McGrath Cancer Care Nurses to support people across Australia with any type of cancer.
Holly Masters, McGrath Foundation CEO, said the new nurse will provide free care and support for individuals and their families in the Adelaide Hills community.
“McGrath Cancer Care Nurses are clinical experts who help people with cancer and their families navigate the medical system by providing free clinical, psychosocial and emotional support throughout treatment, regardless of their cancer type. Our expansion into all cancer includes placing nurses who support individual cancer types or those like Carissa who support patients experiencing any type of cancer.
““We are incredibly proud to begin providing this vital service in the Adelaide Hills, Mount Barker, and surrounding areas, as we work towards our purpose of ensuring no one goes through cancer without the care of a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse.””
- Holly Masters
McGrath Cancer Care Nurse Carissa Stone explained her motivation behind joining the McGrath Foundation.
“Becoming a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse was born out of my desire to make a meaningful impact during a difficult time. I was motivated to take on the role after a familial experience with cancer, combined with my experience passion for oncology nursing.
“"This role offers the chance to advocate for patients and their families, supporting not only medical needs but also psychosocial and practical needs.””
- Carissa Stone
There are currently 261 McGrath Cancer Care Nurses across Australia, with 24 supporting people experiencing cancer throughout South Australia.
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