Wagga welcomes new prostate cancer specialist nurse Emma Pocock

Emma Pocock will work with the Murrumbidgee Local Health District to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for men impacted by the disease, having joined the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia's (PCFA) specialist nursing service.

Local families and men across the region are being encouraged to reach out for support.

Ms Pocock said she is thrilled to be joining the local team to help "make a difference to the lives of these men and their families throughout their prostate cancer journey".

"Regardless of who you are and where you come from, I am here to inform, educate and support you and to help you navigate the health care system during your prostate cancer journey," she said.

MLHD spokesperson Wael Fahmy said that roughly 180 men in the Riverina are diagnosed with cancer each year, with many needing ongoing care and support in the days and months after treatment.

"We are proud to partner with [PCFA] to deliver this life-changing service for local men and families," he added.

PCFA CEO Jeff Dunn said that having specialist nurses on the ground in places such as Wagga "ensure local men are supported and have the best chance of beating this disease".

"Prostate cancer is the most common cause of cancer in Australian men, with around 18,000 men newly diagnosed each year and sadly about 3,300 men will die from the disease annually," Prof Dunn said.

He added that around one in five men with prostate cancer experience long-term anxiety and depression, with many struggling to cope with the challenges of diagnosis and treatment.

"Specialist nurses play a critical role in providing guidance, care and support," Prof Dunn said.

"From the point of diagnosis, our nurses offer expert education and information about treatment plans, referrals to services both in the hospital and community, and provide an ongoing point of contact and support for men and families."

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Prof Dunn said one in six men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

He said that men with a family history have double the risk of being diagnosed, and that men in regional and rural areas face a 24 per cent higher risk of death.

To book an appointment with a prostate cancer specialist nurse, phone PCFA on 1800 220 099 or find out more online.

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