News
Hollywood Private Hospital’s Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse team expands
Sep 06, 2021
The Prostate Cancer Specialist Nursing Service has expanded at Hollywood Private Hospital, in response to increased demand for prostate cancer support services.
Three Specialist Nurses at Hollywood now support men throughout their prostate cancer journey, from diagnosis, during treatment and in recovery.
Being diagnosed with prostate cancer can be a very stressful time for men and their families.
The Prostate Cancer Specialist Nursing Service plays a vital role by providing reliable information about the diagnosis and treatment pathways and supportive care for men and their families.
Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse Lisa Ferri said Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in September is a good time to raise awareness about prostate cancer.
“It’s the most common cancer affecting men in WA and in the early stages may show no symptoms,” Ms Ferri said.1
“Early detection is important for successful outcomes and it’s important to be aware of your risk factors which can include family history and age.
“We encourage all men to speak to their GP about prostate cancer and their risk.”
This year, more than 230,000 Australian men are living with prostate cancer every day.2
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia Chief Executive Officer Jeff Dunn AO said a significant number of men with prostate cancer suffer from the physical and emotional side effects of their treatment.
“A diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer can be extremely challenging for men, their partners, and their families,” Prof Dunn said.
Prof Dunn said Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses provide these men and their families with essential support in the days, weeks, months and years after their treatment, when the impacts of prostate cancer remain.
Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses are experienced registered nurses with advanced skills and knowledge of Prostate Cancer management and supportive care.
Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses help patients by:
- Providing reliable information - about a patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan, the management of treatment side effects and maintaining well being.
- Coordinating a patient’s care – a constant point of contact for men and their families, communicating with treating doctors and other members of their health care team.
- Assisting patients - access services and support groups, both in the hospital and in the community during and after treatment.
“Good support and connection to information and services is incredibly important in a diagnosis of prostate cancer,” Prof Dunn said.
There are nearly 100 Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses Australia-wide, with 43 per cent located in regional areas.
1 www.cancerwa.asn.au/resources/specific-cancers/prostate-cancer/
2 Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. Prostate.org.au
Hollywood Private Hospital’s Prostate Cancer Specialist Nursing Service has recently expanded with the addition of Lucy Lyons joining Lisa Ferri and Francesca Rogers in caring for men attending Hollywood for treatment.