26 May 2020
MEDIA RELEASE
The coronavirus pandemic has exposed a gap in access to essential telenursing for tens of thousands of men living with prostate cancer, prompting Australia’s peak body to launch an emergency tax-time appeal for a new nationwide service.
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia CEO, Professor Jeff Dunn AO, said COVID-19 had highlighted an urgent need for new telehealth services.
“Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, our Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses have been flooded with calls for advice and support from men with prostate cancer and their families.
“We’ve been struggling to answer them all. In the aftermath of this pandemic, it’s vital no man is left behind.”
About 13,000 Australian men and families currently lack access to specialist prostate cancer nursing support, a number set to grow if no action is taken.
“We simply don’t have enough nurses to meet demand,” Prof Dunn says.
“By 2040 we predict there will be 372,000 men living with or beyond prostate cancer in Australia, representing a 76 per cent increase from 211,000 today and the greatest number of men or women diagnosed with any single cancer.
“Without investment in a new telenursing service to reach those in need, many thousands of men will be denied access to specialist support.”
Australia has one of the highest rates of prostate cancer in the world, with one in every six Australian men likely to be diagnosed by age 85.
PCFA’s Director of Nursing Programs, Sally Sara, said funding was needed for at least three nurses to staff the nationwide telenursing service.
“Every 25 minutes, one of our fathers, sons or brothers will hear the news he has prostate cancer.
“What many people don’t realise is exactly how tough it is to live with a disease that robs you of your dignity – leaving many men incontinent and suffering from erectile dysfunction and psychological distress.
“Whilst the threat of COVID-19 will eventually subside, many men with prostate cancer will continue to miss out on specialist nursing support.
“It’s common for patients to struggle with understanding their treatment options and many are unable to access evidence-based information about the pros and cons of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation treatment or hormonal therapy.
“It’s a tragic fact that on any given day men with prostate cancer are already at a 70 per cent increased risk of suicide compared to the general population. These men deserve our support,” Mrs Sara said.
PCFA is hoping to raise $420,000 to establish the service. To find out more or make a donation, go to pcfa.org.au/donate
