As a McGrath Nurse, Mrs Shields covers a 200 kilometre radius, supporting those diagnosed with breast cancer for free from their initial diagnosis, through their treatments and the medical system and into recovery.

"My role is to support ladies and men diagnosed with breast cancer physically, emotionally and psychologically and help guide them through what is happening to them," Mrs Shields said.

"The more you understand about something the less scary it is," Mrs Shields said.

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According to Mrs Shields, all men and women have the power to self assess their breasts, and should be doing so at least once a month.

"Menopausal women can do this anytime of the month however women still on their periods should wait until at least one week after," Mrs Shields said.

By using the McGrath Foundations 'look, feel and learn' breast assessment system men and women will be able to get to know what's normal for their breasts, learning all the lumps and bumps along the way.

"We all have the power in our hands, so we should all be self assessing ourselves," Mrs Shields said.

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Currently Mrs Shields has 36 active patient cases but has assisted countless others who have ended their treatment this year.

"I really love my job," Mrs Shields said.

"It is a privilege to help people on this journey right from diagnosis through treatment and even through to end of life.

The earlier you find a breast cancer the more likely you are to beat it which is why breast checks are so important."

Get your breasts checked by BreastScreen NSW here.

You can contact Fiona Shields at the Griffith Community Health Centre on 0428 243 365 or by emailing fiona.shields2@health.nsw.gov.au

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