IN the wake of Tamworth applying some community pressure to get the services of a breast care nurse in recent weeks, the cry is now coming forward for the city to have the services of a prostate nurse re-installed at the North West Cancer Centre.
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Prostate Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer of all Australians, men and women, and with around 3300 people dying every year it is a call that should be heard, according to Cancer Council Community Engagement Officer Dimity Betts.
“In short there is definitely a need for a prostate nurse in Tamworth,” Mrs Betts said.
“Local men don’t have that extra care after surgery, that can make a big difference.”
Tamworth did have the services of a specialist prostate nurse when the Prostate Foundation of Australia funded and filled a three year position in 2012, although once that funding structure ended the position was dissolved.
“After the three year term they had hoped that the Health Department would pick up the role, but it didn’t happen and they let it go,” Mrs Betts said.
“At the moment there is a cancer coordinator at the Cancer Centre that is a trained cancer nurse, although that role has to deal with all cancer patients.”
In short there is definitely a need for a prostate nurse in Tamworth
- Cancer Council's Dimity Betts
“They might see the chemotherapy and post surgery patients, but might not get to the radiation patients.”
Tamworth and District Prostate Support Group spokesperson and survivor Ian Austin agreed that more help would definitely be welcomed in Tamworth and the surrounding region.
“When you see a doctor you might get 15 minutes with them and don’t get much more information,” Mr Austin said.
“Especially if you have just been diagnosed – they are still in shock and don’t know where to turn.”
“It is a matter of being informed, a nurse can educate people for early diagnosis and also give them options after treatment and surgery.”
“Our group can relate their own stories and give support, but we can’t give out advice because we are not clinically trained. There needs to be more awareness.”