THOSE who have received a diagnosis of breast cancer in recent years will know the enormous value of the Breast Care Nurse Service which provides individual and family support in the days, weeks and months that follow.

Vanessa Hyland and Margie Collins are funded by the McGrath Foundation and provide a service to the Western NSW Local Health District catchment area surrounding Dubbo Health Service, including most towns across the western plains.

"We're here to support and care for people experiencing breast cancer from diagnosis right through their treatment and into survivor care as well," Ms Hyland said.

"I've been a McGrath Breast Care Nurse for ten years now and we average approximately one hundred new referrals a year that are shared between the two of us."

With an area reaching from Lightning Ridge and Goodooga to Bourke and Cobar and back, Ms Hyland says that phone and email support form a big part of their service.

"Due to logistics a lot of our face to face catchups occur when clients come into Dubbo for their treatments," she said.

Between them, Margie and Vanessa draw on their experience and training to provide "tailored personalized information" about breast cancer and its treatments.

"Our role also involves co-ordination of care, liaising with specialists and linking clients in with local support out in their own communities," Ms Hyland said.

"This area is very lucky and every community has some great groups working to provide all kinds of support and assistance, from financial to transport support."

The pair are particularly mindful of the challenges faced by Indigenous women and work hard to ensure a strong web of support.

"We link with Aboriginal Health workers locally, and Aboriginal Health and Medical Centre’s in their own towns, as needed" said Ms Hyland.

She encourages women of all backgrounds to be mindful of their breast health.

"The statistics are now that one in seven women in Australia will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime," she said.

"October brings a focus on Breast Cancer Awareness and it is a great opportunity to reinforce and remind people to follow up on their second yearly screenings with Breastscreen and to be aware of their breast health."

"This includes younger women. We encourage women to be aware of what is normal for them and to follow-up with their GP if they notice any changes."

“And definitely from the age of forty women are eligible for a free breast screen.”

"You can ring Breastscreen on 13 20 50 and organize an appointment or visit a mobile site as they travel around the region. Reminder letters start coming at the age of fifty."

"We know early detection has seen survival rates improve in Australia," she said.

"If anyone does get a diagnosis we are here to provide information and support."

The support provided by the Breast Care Nurses is free and you don't need a doctor's referral. They are based at the Community Health Centre in Dubbo.

The Western Plains App supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month.