Are specialist breast nurses available to Australian women with breast cancer?

Despite evidence of benefit, little is know about Australian women's access to and perceptions of specialist breast nurse (SBN) care. The aims of this study were to: explore access to SBNs by Australian women with breast cancer; identify factors associated with receiving systematic SBN care (at least 3 SBN contacts including preoperatively and postoperatively and at follow-up); and explore the impact of systematic SBN care on women's perceptions of treatment and support. A population-based sample of 544 women with early breast cancer was randomly selected through state and territory cancer registries. Participants completed a structured telephone interview. Over half (52%) of the women had no SBN contact and only 11% received systematic SBN care. Factors associated with systematic SBN care were being treated in a public hospital and receiving systemic adjuvant therapy. Women who received systematic SBN care were more likely to report receiving enough support for themselves and their families, and enough information about where to get more support or counseling and the costs of treatment. In conclusion, systematic SBN contact was uncommon in this population-based sample but positively influenced women's perceptions of care, particularly in relation to the provision of support.