10 May 2017

Tuesday 9 May 2017: Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) commends the Federal Government for providing an additional $5.9 million of funding to increase the number of prostate cancer specialist nurses across Australia.

Today, as part of the federal Budget, Minister for Health, the Hon Greg Hunt MP announced funding for an additional 14 nurses as part of PCFA's Prostate Cancer Specialist Nursing Program.

The latest extension to the revolutionary program will allow more men affected by prostate cancer to access specialised services.

PCFA's Prostate Cancer Specialist Nursing Program was first launched in 2012 and has made significant progress to expand its reach to metropolitan and regional areas across Australia. We now have 29 prostate cancer specialist nurses across major metropolitan and regional hospitals in Queensland, New South Wales, ACT, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. The additional new funding will bring the number up to 43.

Associate Professor Anthony Lowe, Chief Executive Officer of PCFA, says more families will benefit from these vital services thanks to this continued financial support. "Today's announcement will change the lives of more Australians who are dealing with a prostate cancer diagnosis. For many men, their diagnosis is the first time they have given prostate cancer a thought. Most have no understanding of the disease or treatment and it can cause a lot of fear and uncertainty. Friends and families are vital, but specialist nurses have the knowledge and skills to help men at all stages in their cancer journey – diagnosis, treatment and aftercare."

"We are thrilled that more men will now be able to access this service. PCFA would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Federal Government for recognising the importance of this program and bringing us closer to our ultimate goal of 110 nurses across Australia" says Associate Professor Anthony Lowe.

For further information about the Prostate Cancer Specialist Nursing program visit here or call 1800 22 00 99.