I am a sister;

I am an advisor;

I am a colleague and friend;

I am knowledgeable;

I am a McGrath Breast Care Nurse.

Introducing Mount Isa Hospital's new dedicated McGrath Breast Care Nurse, Shannon Williams.

After making the move from Perth to Mount Isa in 2017, Shannon has been working in the Cancer Care Unit for the last three years and said she was thrilled at being offered the McGrath Breast Care Nurse position.

"I always had an interest in oncology, and I always wanted to be a chemotherapy nurse. After graduation, I did ward oncology for a year and just loved it," she said.

"Cancer doesn't discriminate, anyone can get it and how people deal with that diagnosis and still stay positive is pretty amazing," she said.

"It's a horrible time in their life and being able to in a position to help and provide that support is really rewarding and drives my practice. You get to see some pretty inspiring stories, and I enjoy being part of making their patient journey a better one."

From the time of diagnosis, and throughout treatment, McGrath Breast Care Nurses inform, organise, empower and support people with breast cancer and their families.

Shannon will be supporting the women of the North West with breast cancer throughout their whole journey.

"I provide real, tangible care to breast cancer patients. My role encompasses many things, from being a support person when they're diagnosed, providing education on their diagnosis and treatment options, coordinating their care and helping them navigate through the health care system," she said.

The position was established in July 2009 and has since been filled by dedicated and specialised nurses. McGrath Foundation provides funding for the position to be held in the North West, and Shannon will be continuing the fantastic work that Cancer Care Nurse Unit Manager, Nicole Williams, carried out during her time in the role.

Shannon's position has been made possible thanks to the federal government's funding to the McGrath Foundation to recruit, train and place McGrath Breast Care Nurses in locations across Australia.