The Turnbull Government’s announcement that they will not increase the funding for vital Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses means there will continue to be significant unmet need in supporting men and their families who are fighting prostate cancer.
The funding confirmed today ignores calls by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia for additional support and simply keeps the status quo in place – more money needs to be invested to ensure more men can access this service.
During the election Labor committed $10.6 million to double the number of Commonwealth-supported Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses and provide greater support for men with prostate cancer and their families.
While we are pleased the Government will continue to fund the important work of these nurses, we are disappointed the Government overlooked investing more money to expand this important program.
Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in Australia and our third most deadly cancer. In 2017, more than 3,000 Australian men will die from prostate cancer, and 20,000 will be diagnosed with it.
Labor’s election commitment would have given an additional 2,000 men each year access to a Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse. As a result of the Government’s failure to provide additional funding there will still be significant unmet need for this vital service.
THURSDAY, 27 APRIL 2017