I-MED Network teams with McGrath Foundation

Australian women experiencing, and at risk of, breast cancer are once again set to benefit from a unique friendship between the McGrath Foundation and the country’s largest diagnostic imaging group, the I-MED Network, which will aim to raise funds during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

I-MED will donate $10 to the McGrath Foundation for each mammogram conducted in any of its clinics in October and funds raised will support the placement of more McGrath Breast Care Nurses across Australia, and help increase breast awareness in young women.

I-MED Network CEO, Mark Masterson, said the initiative had been embraced by the company’s over 200 clinics nationwide. In 2010 the I-MED Network raised over $109,000 for the McGrath Foundation, and this year I-MED clinics collectively expect to complete up to 10,000 mammograms and raise over $100,000.

“Supporting an organisation that helps women cope with breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is a real source of pride for the I-MED Network,” said Mr Masterson. “Ours is a strong friendship that we trust will help save lives and reduce trauma.”

McGrath Foundation Ambassador and Director, Tracy Bevan, who was a close friend of Jane McGrath, says the support is crucial to the ongoing work of the McGrath Breast Care Nurses across Australia.

“Just three years ago, when Jane passed away, we had four McGrath Breast Care Nurses in Australia. This year we have 64 McGrath Breast Care Nurses working in communities nationwide, supporting families experiencing breast cancer. This is an amazing achievement and is a direct result of the continued support of organisations like the I-MED Network,” Tracy said. 

“Jane was an inspirational figure and she was incredibly committed to her belief that we needed to do everything we could to increase breast awareness across the community and particularly in younger women.

“Like Jane, I believe no-one can know your body better than yourself, so we’re excited by our friendship with I-MED as we see it as a very practical way women can take control of their own health. Early detection can make a major difference as it can lead to better treatment outcomes and screening and diagnostic imaging are a really important part of that process,” Tracy said.

McGrath Breast Care Nurses are specially trained registered nurses who act as patient advocates, coordinating care for women with breast cancer, their families and their carers. They provide accurate information, vital support and referral to services.

Breast cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death for Australian women – one in nine will be diagnosed with the disease by the age of 85. The benefits of early detection can include increased survival and treatment options, as well as improved quality of life.

To find your local I-MED clinic visit Our Clinics webpage. For more information about the McGrath Foundation visit www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au.