Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia now support 115 Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses across Australia, helping to provide lifechanging care to men and families impacted by this disease.
The service first launched in 2012 with just 12 nurses and has continued to expand rapidly. Today, two in three men diagnosed with prostate cancer will be supported by a Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse.
Not only do specialist nurses support men at one of the most difficult times in their lives, helping them to understand their diagnosis, the treatment options available to them and care available, but research shows that the service contributes to a:
• 60% reduction in Emergency Department presentations,
• 56% reduction in specialist consultation times, and
• 63% reduction in missed medical appointments.
According to independent health economic analysis, for every $1 invested in PCFA’s Specialist Nursing Service, at least $1.62 is also created in social value.
In addition, new research has also highlighted just how beneficial specialist nursing support can be to men on hormone therapies for prostate cancer, helping to reduce higher risks of suicide and improve quality of life for those impacted.
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia CEO Anne Savage said the study, published in the European Journal of Oncology Nursing, found that a multi-session mental health support program, led by nurses who specialise only in prostate cancer, was effective in helping men living with the disease to cope with quality of life concerns caused by the side-effects of their treatment.
“Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, accounting for 16 per cent of all cancers diagnosed and nearly one in three of all cancers diagnosed among men,” Ms Savage said.
“Up to 50 per cent of all men diagnosed will undergo hormone therapy at some point during their treatment, significantly increasing their risks of depression and suicide.
“Around one in three Australian men with prostate cancer will experience anxiety and depression as a result of their diagnosis and treatment, contributing to a 70 per cent increased risk of suicide.
“The research demonstrated the effectiveness of a multi-session mental health support program provided by specialist nurses with specific training and experience in treating prostate cancer.
“Sessions were around 45 minutes in length, included distress screening at the start of each session and helped to educate participants about the psychological, physical, and sexual impacts of hormone therapy, providing patients with self-management strategies, exercise and dietary advice, and coping skills.
“In the absence of any other structured programs to support men on hormone therapies, these are very significant findings that speak to the critical role specialist nurses play in supporting Australian men with prostate cancer.”
Despite advances in research and access to Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses, Ms Savage said more funding was still needed for the service to ensure men don’t miss out on support.
“This year we’re hoping to raise $800,000 from Dry July to help continue the work vital work of our six Dry July funded nurses,” Ms Savage said.
“A prostate cancer diagnosis is a major life stress, bringing with it physical, psychological, social and financial impacts.
“Concerningly, men with prostate cancer have a 70 per cent increased risk of suicide with one in four experiencing anxiety and up to one in five experiencing depression.
“Our nurses play a critical role in ensuring no man falls through the gaps.”
For more information about PCFA's Prostate Cancer Specialist Nursing Service and the impact of Dry July, visit www.prostate.org.au or phone 1800 22 00 99.
