An extra source of support has been made available for Australian men with prostate cancer as they navigate their diagnosis and treatment choices.
A group of 25 newly appointed specialist prostate cancer nurses has begun work supporting men across the country.
Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia director of nursing programs Sally Sara said the demand for prostate cancer services was growing and the extra staff would make a big difference for Australian men and their partners.
The program is similar to the McGrath Foundation's support service for women undergoing treatment for breast cancer and is funded through a $23 million Federal Government package.
"We're expecting a 70 per cent increase [of the disease] through to 2040, so it's vital that our prostate cancer specialist nurses service grows to meet that growing demand in the years ahead," Ms Sara said.
"Last year, our statistics show our existing cohort of nurses, of which there [are] 55, saw 8,000 new men.
"One man is diagnosed with prostate cancer in Australia every 30 minutes … nearly 17,000 a year in Australia."
Jasmin Mazis is one of four recently appointed prostate cancer specialist nurses in South Australia.
"When they're first diagnosed, that can be quite a scary time for patients," Ms Mazis said.
"There's lots of treatment options and treatment choices.
"Part of my role will be to look at the gaps and find what we're not actually currently providing patients."
Eight new nurses have been appointed in New South Wales, four each in Western Australia and Victoria, three in Queensland and one each in Tasmania and the ACT.
A further 15 prostate cancer specialist nurses will be recruited next year.
'Some fellas don't have support networks at all'
Prostate cancer patient Greg Carmody — who prefers to be known by his stage name Bobby Blues — is undergoing radiotherapy treatment at the GenesisCare cancer centre in Adelaide.
He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in March.
"Fellas aren't very good with discussing their medical situations, even with their wives and loved ones," he said.
"Some fellas don’t have those support networks at all.
"It is really crucially important to have those prostate cancer specialist nurse positions there, and we'd like to keep them."
The 59-year-old writes songs and plays the harmonica to help other patients and their families at the clinic.
"Playing the harmonica is one gift I've got that I can share with other people, and I just want to brighten people up because it's not the happiest place for people," he said.
"When I meet other fellas that don't like to talk too much it’s just a nice thing to do."
He added that he benefitted from an early diagnosis and that men over the age of 50 should get tested for the disease.
"We got in early, which is great — and I've got a wonderful support system."
