Prostate cancer nurse boost in Mackay region

Mackay region men with prostate cancer and their families will benefit from an expansion of the Australian Government’s Prostate Cancer Nurses Program.

I welcome the announcement by the Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, which means Mackay men will benefit from the Government’s investment into prostate cancer care over the next three years.

A prostate cancer nurse will be available four days per week to provide specialist care through our health and cancer services through the Mackay Cancer Centre & Mackay Base Hospital.

So many Australian men and their families have had their lives turned upside down by prostate cancer.

It is estimated to be the second most common cause of cancer deaths in Australian men in 2020, with an estimated 3,152 deaths.

This funding sends a message to men with prostate cancer that they do not have to face this terrible disease alone.

Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said the Government’s investment would support existing prostate cancer nurses and place specialist nurses in over 40 new locations.

“Sadly, more than 16,700 Australian men are expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year,” Mr Hunt said.

“Since 2013, this program has funded the recruitment, training and placement of Prostate Cancer Nurse in 29 locations across the country.”

The Government is committed to improving health outcomes for men with prostate cancer and provides significant investment through provision of specialised nurses, medical services though the Medicare Benefits Scheme and pharmaceuticals through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

Since 2013, the Government has also provided over $84 million in support for prostate cancer research through the Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centres, the National Health and Medical Research Council and Cancer Australia.