03 April 2019
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) has welcomed the announcement from Treasurer Josh Frydenberg of $17.4m being invested over 3 years from 2020-21 for the continuation and expansion of PCFA's Prostate Cancer Specialist Nursing (PCSN) Program.
Over 200,000 Australian men are living after a diagnosis of prostate cancer. The PCFA Prostate Cancer Specialist Nursing Program provides care and support to men and their families affected by prostate cancer through all stages of their disease from diagnosis and treatment to side effect management and after care.
The National Chairman of PCFA, Mr Steve Callister, said this funding will benefit thousands of men dealing with prostate cancer, across more locations throughout Australia.
"We are very grateful for the Federal Government support as PCFA’s goal is to reach every diagnosed man with life-changing support from a Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse," Mr Callister said.
With approximately 20,000 new prostate cancer diagnoses each year, PCFA estimates the need for at least 110 Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses – the announcement of the budgeted funding is vital for the continued extension of the Program’s coverage.
In far too many cases, men with prostate cancer live with long-lasting impacts on physical and mental wellbeing and can find it difficult to seek or obtain specific support in their local region. From the moment that a man is diagnosed, their Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse becomes the main point of contact for any issues or concerns the men and their families may have.
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s CEO, Professor Jeff Dunn AO, said the $17.4m boost will take the total number of Prostate Cancer Specialist Nursing positions funded by the Government to 62 over the next 4 years.
"Our Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses provide expert coordinated support to the patients’ physical, emotional, psychological and social needs and their families at a vulnerable time in their lives," Professor Dunn said.
PCFA will be looking at placing the new Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses funded by the Government in the areas of highest need, including regional areas.
"We thank the Government for its commitment to support our work as we continue to advocate for the expansion of PCFA’s Prostate Cancer Specialist Nursing Program," Professor Dunn said.
