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Canberra has received its first McGrath Cancer Care Nurse dedicated to supporting people with lung cancer across the ACT and surrounding suburbs. McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, Marie Laing, will join the three other McGrath Cancer Care Nurses based at Capital Region Cancer Service who support people with breast cancer.
The 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 in communities across Australia. Holly Masters, McGrath Foundation CEO, said that Marie will provide free care and support for individuals and their families Canberra.
““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."”
- Holly Masters
"Our expansion into all cancers includes placing nurses who support individual cancer types, like Marie, or those who support patients experiencing any type of cancer.
“We are incredibly proud to begin to provide this vital service to people experiencing lung cancer in Canberra, as we are committed to our purpose of ensuring no one goes through cancer without the care of a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse,” Masters continued.
With over 15 years’ experience as a Registered Nurse, McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, Marie Laing explained her passion for oncology nursing, which led her to join the McGrath Foundation.
““My passion for cancer nursing comes from the desire to ensure that all patients receive individualised holistic care. I enjoy meeting new patients and building relationships to make sure patients feel supported and as comfortable as possible during one of the most challenging times of their lives.””
- Marie Laing
There are currently 261 McGrath Cancer Care Nurses across Australia. McGrath Foundation nursing care is completely free. You don’t even need a referral.
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.
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