Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said he is very pleased Eyre Peninsula prostate cancer sufferers and their families will benefit under an expansion of the Australian Government’s Prostate Cancer Nurses Program with the creation of a new nursing position based in Port Lincoln..
Mr Ramsey said the Government is investing $23 million in the program through the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia over the next three years to support existing prostate cancer nurses and place specialist nurses in over 40 new locations.
“Having a specialist prostate cancer nurse based in Port Lincoln is great news for men from all over the Eyre Peninsula and will ensure they can more readily seek advice if concerned or experiencing symptoms of prostate cancer,” he said. “The risk of prostate cancer increases with age, with the majority of cases diagnosed in men aged 60–79.
“Often this age group is less mobile and having a nurse based in the area will be of huge benefit. Prostate cancer is estimated to be the second most common cause of cancer deaths in Australian men in 2020, with an estimated 3,152 deaths.
“Sadly, more than 16,700 Australian men are expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year.
“Since 2013, this program has funded the recruitment, training and placement of Prostate Cancer Nurse in 29 locations across the country.
“So many Australian men and their families have had their lives turned upside down by prostate cancer, so I’m very pleased they will have the support of these specialised nurses now and into the future.
“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.”
Media Contact: Leonie Lloyd-Smith 0417827523
June 15 2020
