Legendary cricketer Glenn McGrath will help announce a massive $166m commitment from the Commonwealth government to help patients recovering from cancer.
The funds will be invested into hiring more cancer nurses and health care providers to patients recovering from cancer, through the creation of the Australian Cancer Nursing and Navigation Program.
Mr McGrath, who is the president of the McGrath Foundation, will join Health Minister Mark Butler at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday to announce the landmark investment.
The funds will be divided into four components to help improve cancer outcomes for Australians suffering with the disease, including investment into cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, survivorship and end of life care.
This includes $74.5m to continue funding existing prostate cancer nurses through the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, and help the McGrath Foundation recruit 100 new ‘all cancer care’ nurses across Australia.
$49.6m will also be given to Cancer Council Australia to create a new Cancer Navigation Service, to support cancer patients with information and support, with $32.1m directed to non-government cancer organisations to continue delivering cancer-specific telehealth support services.
The Child and Youth Cancer Hub, led by Canteen, Canteen and Redkite will also receive $9.4m.
Mr McGrath said he was “incredibly proud” the McGrath Foundation would support the delivery of the Australian Cancer Nursing and Navigation program.
The legendary fast bowler co-founded the organisation with his late wife Jane, after she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 31.
“When we started the Foundation, we hoped we could make a positive difference to just one family,” he said.
“My family understands first-hand the incredible difference this care makes, so knowing Australians will soon have access to this care no matter what type of cancer they have, just blows me away.”
Mr Butler said cancer nurses were “invaluable to patients who are confronting some of their toughest days”.
“That’s why the Albanese Government is making the biggest investment in cancer nurses on record, backed by our landmark Australian Cancer Plan,” he said.
“More than 164,000 Australians are estimated to be diagnosed with cancer this year and our Government is ensuring they have the support in place to get through their diagnosis, no matter where they live or what their cancer type.”
Breast cancer survivor Elisa Charles said having a McGrath Breast Care Nurse was a “crucial” part of her treatment, and wished everybody diagnosed with cancer had that level of support.
“It’s important to have someone who is well-informed to talk to, especially in those moments when your thoughts go to a dark place,” she said.
“Nothing prepares you for the reality of a breast cancer diagnosis. You must absorb a lot of information all at once and make potentially life-altering decisions very quickly.”
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