Rachel was appointed to the role earlier this year and is the only prostate cancer nurse in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District.

Rachel explained her role as providing supportive care for all men who have prostate cancer.

It is part funded by the Prostate cancer Foundation of Australia to provide support and information to men and to their families. Rachel said that men often do not speak up about their health problems and often their wives raised issues for them.

Rachel’s role is to help men understand the various treatment options for prostate cancer, and the possible side effects of treatments and to support their decision making. She explained that side effects for men can include impacts on bowel function, incontinence and their sex life.

Providing support and the best information possible was crucial at such times. Rachel works closely with local GPs and she stressed that it was important for patients to consider all treatment options, including those not involving surgery, to determine which were best suited to their own situation.

She encouraged men to be proactive in managing their condition.

“Look for information and question all the advice you receive. Do not be afraid to ask for a second opinion. Accept the challenge of actively managing your own health,” she said.

Rachel’s work covers a large geographic area, from Wollongong to North Durras. Rachel works out of the Shoalhaven Cancer Care Centre in Nowra one day per week, but she can always be contacted by phone or email. Her contact details are; mobile: 0436683576; email: Rachel.young@health.nsw.gov.au .

All men and their partners are welcome to attend Men’s Health and Cancer Support Group meetings, which are held monthly from 6pm to 7.30pm at the Milton Ulladulla Bowling Club, 68 St Vincent Street, Ulladulla.

Meetings are held in the upstairs meeting room. The next meeting is on November 13.