Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, accounting for 16% of all cancers diagnosed and for nearly 1 in 3 cancers diagnosed among Australian men. While no two cases are the same, evidence suggests that up to 80% of men experience some level of incontinence after prostate cancer surgery.
For some men it stops after a few weeks or months, while others may experience issues on a longer-term basis.
Join host Katie Clift, alongside PCFA Specialist Nurse Kirsty Tonkin, TENA Services Marketing Manager Karen Fuller, and prostate cancer survivor and PCFA ambassador Nigel McBride to talk surgical and non-surgical treatments and options for the rehabilitation and recovery of bladder control.
For support, contact a PCFA nurse at 1800 22 00 99 or visit prostate.org.au.
HOST
Katie Clift
Director of International Public Relations Agency maybe, Global Moderator, Speaker & Breast Cancer Survivor
Katie Clift is Director of may:be, an international counter-cultural public relations agency. An MBA scholar of Warwick Business School. Katie has worked internationally on both sides of communications – in the media (radio, television & digital journalism) and as a PR, spokesperson, and corporate affairs executive - for both the private and public sectors. She has a decade of experience as a moderator, presenting sessions, interviews and press conferences globally, from the World Economic Forum in Davos to the Union for International Cancer Control’s World Cancer Congress and various in-person and online events. Katie was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer in her 30s, and after 18 months of active treatment, returned to life and work more determined than ever to advocate for people affected by all types of cancer, and upscale communications for nonprofits globally.
PANELLISTS
Karen Fuller
TENA Services Marketing Manager
With over 27 years of experience at TENA, Karen has been a driving force across customer service, consumer care, and residential care divisions. Now leading the services division, she works closely with the sales and clinical teams to develop impactful education, processes, and systems. Her passion lies in improving the quality of life for individuals affected by incontinence, ensuring they have access to the information and support they need. Karen’s commitment to care is deeply personal—she supported her father through his prostate cancer journey, helping him navigate post-surgery outcomes with confidence. Drawing from this experience, she played a key role in developing TENA’s prostate kits, empowering consumers with essential resources for their own recovery.
Kirsty Tonkin
PCFA Prostate Cancer Telenurse
Kirsty has over 20 years of combined experience as a Urology and Surgical Nurse, and a Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse in a variety of settings. Kirsty joined PCFA as a Prostate Cancer Specialist Telenurse in 2023, bringing extensive experience and training to support men diagnosed with prostate cancer and improve their quality of life. Prior to her roles with PCFA, Kirsty worked as a Nurse Unit Manager at Royal Adelaide Hospital providing clinical management and coordination of patient care for urology patients, followed by a role as a Nurse Educator providing training to surgical staff working at the Royal Adelaide and Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Kirsty also holds a Bachelor of Nursing, a Grad Certificate in Stomal Therapy and Graduate Diploma in Acute Care Nursing.
Nigel McBride
PCFA Ambassador and prostate cancer survivor
Nigel was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022 at 52 years old. He had no symptoms and no family history of the disease, but was found to have a high PSA level during a routine PSA test. Nigel underwent a robotic prostatectomy which resulted in incontinence during the following year. Nigel utilised the support of a PCFA Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse to help him manage this and get back into running. Six months on, he ran his first half marathon again. Nigel has since joined PCFA’s Life Force Program as a Volunteer Speaker to raise awareness in the community about early detection. His tireless dedication and advocacy are helping to change the conversation around prostate cancer in Victoria.
