News

Better breast care in Perth’s northern corridor through JHC’s expanded services

Aug 12, 2025

Women in Perth’s northern suburbs now have access to expanded breast cancer care services, after the creation of a multi-disciplinary team to holistically treat patients at Joondalup Health Campus (JHC).

Specialist breast oncoplastic surgeon Dr Anitha Karunairajah, who is part of the team that has evolved over the past 12 months, will ensure women can experience continuity of care across their cancer treatment, while staying close to home.

With the addition of a dedicated McGrath Cancer Care Nurse and soon a specialist physiotherapy service to the existing surgical and chemotherapy treatments, women can now be more comprehensively attended to by the same clinical team for the duration.

“Many patients don’t realise that these services are available in the northern suburbs and being able to reduce travel time is really a big factor when you are undertaking these often-difficult treatments,” Dr Karunairajah said.

Dr Karunairajah said patients requiring radiotherapy were referred to Genesis Joondalup or Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital.

“Our goal is to make cancer care as comprehensive as possible for women in the northern corridor right from diagnosis through to surgery and on to recovery.”

Having a dedicated, consistent theatre team was also influential in terms of patient outcomes, Dr Karunairajah said.

“The nurses are highly trained and familiar with the specific needs of breast surgery. Having the same people beside you in theatre, people who know you and you know them, there is a degree of trust there and it certainly contributes to smoother operations and a better patient experience.

“Oncoplastic surgery allows for breast cancer removal to happen at the same time as reconstructive surgery, reducing the need for a second surgery, and possibly assisting women to maintain a degree of confidence in the process.”

Dr Karunairajah, who trained in Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth, said she was driven by a desire to see women maintain a sense of dignity and self-esteem through what can be a very challenging time.

“My parents were both doctors so medicine was an easy choice for me,” she said. “Breast surgery and especially the oncoplastics element is a real mix of the technical skill in ensuring a proper oncological resection is done, as well as the art of reconstruction, providing a better outcome for patients.”

McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, Sam Williams, specialises in breast cancer care and supports patients and their families from their diagnosis throughout their treatment pathway and beyond.

With more than 20 years of experience on the clinical side, Ms Williams said the transition to a more specialist role was an incredible privilege.

"It is not just assisting with things like interpreting scans or blood tests,” she said. "I am able to provide a holistic approach to care by providing clinical, psychosocial and emotional care, which is patient led. Allowing for a safe space for discussions around altered body image concerns, the pre- and post-surgical procedures, to talk about the burden on finances that cancer may bring, preparing patients how to talk to children and their family about their illness, and a range of issues that extend far beyond the medical diagnosis.” 

“There is no referral required to access the support of a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse and we are a free service. Patients can access their nearest McGrath Cancer Care Nurse through the McGrath Foundation website by putting their postcode in, and a list of nurses with their contact details will come up. There are currently 273 McGrath Cancer Care Nurses across Australia supporting people experiencing cancer.”

Local mum and breast cancer patient, Lorraine Cross, said having all the services she needs in one place at JHC has made what is a very difficult period, slightly easier.

"As a single mum and the only one who drives in my family, being able to walk to my appointments has made such a big difference. I'm so grateful to be cared for by Dr Anitha, and when I was introduced to Sam, my McGrath breast care nurse, I actually cried with relief. Everything can feel so overwhelming, but Sam helps me break it all down and reminds me of what I need to focus on. She never makes me feel rushed, it’s like I’m her only patient. When she found out my washing machine had broken and I was going to the laundromat, she even organised a new one for me. She’s also helped me quit smoking.

“Having the same person there for me is vital. I don’t think I’d feel comfortable having to repeat everything over and over to someone new. With my whole team in one place at Joondalup, I feel more settled and better able to focus on my treatment, healing, and recovery.

“I honestly wish everyone could have a Sam. It’s hard to put into words just how much she’s helped me cope with everything."

Dr Anitha Karunairajah (front left) and Sam Williams (front right) with members of the JHC theatre team.