THE Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) is calling for the launch of a new national telenursing service.
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COVID-19 has exposed a gap in access to telenursing services and PCFA is looking to raise $420,000 to address the situation.
PCFA chief executive Jeff Dunn said specialist nurses had been "flooded" with calls for advice and support since the beginning of the pandemic.
"We've been struggling to answer them all. In the aftermath of this pandemic, it's vital no man is left behind," Professor Dunn said.
About 13,000 Australian men and families currently lack access to specialist prostate cancer nursing support and Professor Dunn said the number would grow if something wasn't done.
"By 2040 we predict there will be 372,000 men living with or beyond prostate cancer in Australia, representing a 76 per cent increase from 211,000 today," he said.
"Without investment in a new telenursing service to reach those in need, many thousands of men will be denied access to specialist support."
Australia has one of the highest rates of prostate cancer in the world, with one in every six Australian men likely to be diagnosed by age 85.
PCFA's director of nursing programs Sally Sara said funding was needed for at least three nurses to staff the nationwide service.
"Every 25 minutes, one of our fathers, sons or brothers will hear the news he has prostate cancer," she said.
"What many people don't realise is exactly how tough it is to live with a disease that robs you of your dignity."
"It's common for patients to struggle with understanding their treatment options."
She said many patients were unable to access adequate information about surgery, chemotherapy, radiation treatment and hormonal therapy.
"It's a tragic fact that on any given day men with prostate cancer are already at a 70 per cent increased risk of suicide compared to the general population,' she said.
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