11 December 2024

Record numbers of men are calling for support with prostate cancer, resulting in a nine per cent increase in calls to Australia’s only dedicated prostate cancer telenursing service over the past year.

The specialist service, run by Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, has received over 4,200 calls this year, with one in three calls from men in regional and rural areas, where men face a 24 per cent increased risk of death from the disease.

PCFA’s Head of Telenursing and Supportive Care Programs, Bernie Riley, said the increase in calls highlights a growing need for access to specialist nursing care for those impacted by the disease.

“Prostate cancer accounts for 16 per cent of all cancers diagnosed in Australia, with more men being diagnosed as our population ages and increases,” he said.

“Since we launched the Telenursing service in early 2021, our specialist nurses have responded to more than 15,000 calls and supported more than 5,500 Australians who have been hard hit by prostate cancer.

“Many of those callers have been impacted by moderate to severe levels of distress, requiring counselling and support, with 800 callers referred to PCFA’s free counselling service. 

“Around 72 per cent of callers have prostate cancer or are living after a diagnosis and need support and advice with navigating treatment and its side effects.

“A significant number of callers require our support with adjusting to major impacts on their quality of life, which contribute to high rates of distress, anxiety, and depression.

“Our specialist service has a vital role to play in improving patient wellbeing and symptom management, providing evidence-based advice and care.

“We also offer a vital lifeline for partners and family members who need guidance and information on supporting loved ones through a diagnosis.

“Over the past four years, this service has successfully bridged a gap in patient care, particularly for regional and remote patients.

“This service ensures that all men and their partners, no matter where they live, have access to clinical support just by picking up the phone.”

The national service also provides information on risk factors and screening for the disease.

PCFA’s Telenursing Service

  • 72% of callers have been diagnosed with prostate cancer or are living after a diagnosis.
  • 6% of callers are men wanting more information about their risk or testing options.
  • 13% of callers are partners and daughters looking for advice on how to support a loved one.
  • 36% of all callers are from regional and remote areas and face a 24% increased risk of death.
  • 65% of callers reported significant distress related to prostate cancer.

PCFA’s Counselling Service

  • 66% of callers referred to PCFA’s counselling service reported moderate to severe distress, with 14% of reporting extreme distress.
  • Counselling sessions resulted in a 49% reduction in symptoms of depression, a 53% reduction in anxiety symptoms, and a 27% reduction in distress levels.