As Australians this week joined the Great Aussie BBQ, the fight against prostate cancer in Ballarat has been enhanced by the Labor-funded Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse at Ballarat Base Hospital.
The Prostate Cancer Specialist Nursing Program was launched by Labor in May 2012 in 12 hospitals around the country.
In July last year, the former Labor government announced a $7 million expansion of the program, funding an additional 14 specialist nurses over four years, including a nurse at Ballarat.
Shadow Minister for Health and Member for Ballarat Catherine King said prostate cancer was one of the most common forms of cancer affecting Australian men, with around 20,000 men diagnosed every year.
“Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in men, with over 3,000 men each year dying with prostate cancer,” Ms King said.
“Labor’s Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses provide help to men and their families in all areas of prostate cancer care – whether they are newly diagnosed or have already had some treatment.
“They provide an ongoing point of contact, access to services in hospitals and in the community, information about diagnosis and treatment plans, information on dealing with the effects of treatment, and access to support groups.
“Importantly, the location of a nurse here in Ballarat means men with prostate cancer can receive that care here, in our local community.
“The Prostate Cancer Specialist Nursing Program demonstrated Labor’s commitment to helping communities and supporting men diagnosed with prostate cancer and their families through prevention, early detection, treatment and care.”