COVID-19 lockdowns are adding to the distress of prostate cancer patients and families, with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia recording a recent spike in calls to their new telenursing service.
Since the opening of the new service in March, 870 cases have been managed and the foundation says this uptake of the service is important not only for supporting patients but also the future direction of patient care, highlighting the care gaps and how they can be filled.
Professor Jeff Dunn of the foundation said 1 in 5 men with prostate cancer suffer from long-term anxiety and are at a significantly higher risk of suicide, making it imperative these services are available.
If you or a family member is struggling, you can reach out to the telenurse hotline on 1800 22 00 99.