The McGrath Foundation has partnered with Equally Well to enhance education for specialist cancer nurses on the unique barriers faced by people living with mental illness when accessing cancer care.
Between February and April 2026, the McGrath Foundation delivered eight professional development workshops to 357 McGrath Cancer Care Nurses across Australia. The intensive two-day workshops featured a broad range of clinical and patient-centred topics designed to strengthen nursing practice and improve patient outcomes.
A standout session, led by Equally Well Director Professor Russell Roberts, explored the significant disparities in cancer outcomes and access to care experienced by people living with mental illness. The session also featured powerful lived-experience perspectives from mental health advocates Fay Jackson and Paul Klotz, who shared their personal cancer journeys and offered valuable insight into the challenges many patients face navigating the healthcare system.
Feedback from nurses highlighted the impact and relevance of the session, with many describing it as engaging, insightful and highly practical. Participants reflected on the importance of hearing lived experiences firsthand and gaining new strategies to support people with complex mental health needs.
One nurse shared:
“It’s so important to hear about lived experience. I do think that nurses are aware of the dehumanisation and stigma of those with complex mental health. It is so good to talk about how we can advocate and support people within a system that so often ‘others’ people.”
Through this collaboration with Equally Well, McGrath Cancer Care Nurses are strengthening their knowledge, awareness and practical skills to provide more inclusive, compassionate and equitable cancer care for all Australians.
