Turnbull Government to deliver $6 million for prostate cancer nurses

The Turnbull Government is providing almost $6 million to continue support for prostate cancer specialist nurses in 15 locations across Australia, with a focus on regional areas.

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting men, with over 16,000 Australians expected to be diagnosed this year and although it has a 95 per cent five-year survival rate, more than 3,000 men die from it each year.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia will use the funding for 14 full time nurses through to 2019-20, to support men with prostate cancer.

The program has been in operation since 2014 and these nurses are on track to assist around 4,000 men and their families by September 2017.

Men diagnosed with prostate cancer often see a range of health care professionals over a length of time, including urologists, general practitioners, radiologists and allied health staff.

This funding will continue to support prostate cancer nurse positions across Australia so that men with cancer, and their families, receive the support and information they need.

We have seen that the greater coordination of care for other cancers has resulted in better outcomes for patients both for cancer control and psychological well-being.

By funding these nurses we can make sure men battling prostate cancer receive the necessary and timely coordinated care they require.

These nurses will provide:

• vital information, care and support for both patients and their families, as well as health care professionals within a multidisciplinary team;
• improved access to specialists and services;
• coordination of care from diagnosis onwards; and
• continuity of care for patients throughout the entire cancer journey.

A diagnosis of cancer is one of the most confronting health issues anyone can face but the support and compassionate care that prostate cancer nurses provide will be a great help to men as they, and their families, tackle this disease.