GenesisCare Mandurah has welcomed a prostate cancer specialist nurse, who will provide care and support to men in the Peel and their families throughout their prostate cancer journey.
According to research conducted by Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia (PCFA), Mandurah men have the third highest diagnosis rate for prostate cancer in Australia at 210 people per 100,000, making the addition of a specialist nurse a welcome addition to the City.
Sharon Adams has an extensive history in prostate cancer care and said she was honoured to be joining the team.
"Receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis can be incredibly confronting and lots of men find it difficult to navigate the different treatment options and services available," Ms Adams said.
"I feel incredibly privileged to be able to provide highly personalised care and support for men across the Peel region and to help men and their families join the dots and navigate care pathways."
The position at GenesisCare is part of the Federal Government's recent $23 million expansion to the Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia's specialist nursing program which will support existing prostate cancer nurses and place specialist nurses in areas of high need.
GenesisCare general manager for Oncology in Western Australia, Louise Coffey, said up to 150 patients would be seen by the specialist nurse each year.
"Around 150 men in the local region are diagnosed with cancer each year, and many of them will need ongoing care and support in the days and months after treatment," Ms Coffey said.
"It's important that a patient's physical and psychological needs are looked after. It is well documented that a multidisciplinary approach to cancer management leads to better patient outcomes and a higher quality of life for both patients and their families."
To celebrate Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, the team at GenesisCare Mandurah will also be taking part in PCFA's fundraising initiative 'The Long Run' clocking up more than 72 kilometres in the month of September to raise awareness and funds for those impacted by prostate cancer.
To join The Long Run, visit www.thelongrun.org.au, or for support, reach out to PCFA on 1800 22 00 99.