26 March 2021
New prostate cancer telenursing service a vital lifeline for Australian men
Australian men diagnosed with prostate cancer can now pick up the phone to access immediate specialist support, following the launch of a nationwide telenursing service run by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
The new telehealth service, staffed by prostate cancer specialist nurses, provides a critical lifeline to the 17,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer in Australia each year, and their families, significantly reducing isolation and barriers to accessing support.
Men and their families can speak with a specialist nurse by calling 1800 22 00 99, Monday to Friday.
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia CEO, Professor Jeff Dunn AO, said the charity was proud to launch Australia’s first dedicated prostate cancer telenursing service.
“Over the past year in particular we’ve seen an immense need for this service, with more men and families feeling isolated and desperate for specialist advice to help them through a diagnosis, treatment options, and the long-term effects of living with prostate cancer,” Prof Dunn said.
“Prostate cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Australian men. Alarmingly, every 30 minutes, another man is diagnosed with the disease.
“We’re committed to providing vital support and information to everyone impacted by this horrible disease – no matter where in Australia they live – and our new telenursing service will help fill that gap.”
More than 220,000 men are living with or beyond prostate cancer in Australia, and by 2040 that’s predicted to rise to 372,000 men.
Prof Dunn encouraged men, families, and members of the community to reach out for support today.
“It’s critical that no one feels like they have to navigate a cancer diagnosis alone, and that no one suffers in silence,” he said.
“It’s common for men to struggle with understanding their treatment options and many are unable to access evidence-based information about the pros and cons of different medicines, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment or hormonal therapy.
“In addition, about 1 in 5 men with prostate cancer will also experience long-term anxiety and depression and struggle with their mental health.
“Increasing access to telenursing services and promoting informed decision making is essential to improved quality of life and survivorship outcomes.”
The Prostate Cancer Telenursing Service has been made possible by a funding boost of $800,000 from Dry July Foundation, and the ongoing support from thousands of Australians who donated to the cause through the Dry July campaign.
Dry July Foundation CEO Katie Evans congratulated the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia on the launch of their telenursing service.
“It’s an honour for us to support Australian men impacted by prostate cancer through the Dry July Foundation and know that these funds have gone to an extremely worthy cause,” she said.
“The launch of this vital telenursing service reinforces the importance of partnering with like-minded charities to improve outcomes for those impacted by cancer. Together, we can make a greater impact.”
For more information, visit pcfa.org.au or phone 1800 22 00 99. Australians can also request a call back by registering at pcfa.org.au/telenursing-request-form.
ENDS
PCFA Media Contact: Laura McKoy | M 0435 094 788
