What’s happening?
Icon Cancer Centre has announced the recruitment of 10 new Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses (PCSNs), significantly expanding dedicated support for thousands of Australian men living with prostate cancer.
The new specialist nurses, employed in partnership with Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA), will be based at Icon Cancer Centre locations across South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, ACT and Western Australia, including Redland, Springfield and Ipswich.
Mackay already has a dedicated Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse who supports both Icon and Mackay Base Hospital patients throughout their cancer treatment.
Why it matters
Prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, with an estimated 26,368 men diagnosed each year. More than 275,000 Australian men are living with a prostate cancer diagnosis, and this figure is expected to rise sharply over the next two decades as the population grows and ages.
Icon Cancer Centre Australia & New Zealand CEO, Paul Fenton, said the investment reflects the organisation’s commitment to delivering world-class, personalised care close to home.
“This marks a major milestone for Icon Cancer Centre, with more than a third of our 42 Australian sites soon to have a dedicated Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse,” Mr Fenton said.
“These specialised roles provide a lifeline to men and their families, offering expert guidance, emotional support, and a trusted point of contact from diagnosis through treatment and survivorship.”
Local impact
The prostate cancer nurse in Mackay supports both private and public patients, ensuring men across the region can access expert guidance, care, and survivorship support.
PCFA Director of Nursing Sally Sara said prostate cancer specialist nurses play a critical role in providing guidance, care, and support.
“We’re extremely proud to partner with Icon Cancer Centre to support more men and families impacted by Australia’s most common cancer,” Ms Sara said.
“From the point of diagnosis, our highly trained nurses offer expert education, information and guidance about treatment plans, side effect management, and provide a reassuring ongoing point of contact and support.
“We know that our care improves clinical and psychological outcomes, ensuring men receive expert support when they need throughout their survivorship.”
By the numbers
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26,368 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in Australia each year.
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More than 275,000 men are currently living with a diagnosis.
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10 new Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses are being recruited by Icon Cancer Centre in partnership with PCFA.
Zoom in
The announcement builds on the existing partnership between Icon and PCFA, which has already supported the placement of five specialist nurses over the past couple of years. Mackay continues to benefit from its own dedicated nurse, providing ongoing support to local men and families.
Zoom out
PCFA established the Prostate Cancer Specialist Nursing Service in 2012 to improve the quality of care for men with prostate cancer. Since 2014, the Australian Government has provided grant funding to grow the service, with PCSNs working as central coordinators of care, improving access to multidisciplinary teams, streamlining treatment pathways, and ensuring men and their families have the support they need.
What to look for next
Icon Cancer Centre and PCFA aim to ensure every man diagnosed with prostate cancer receives expert, compassionate, and coordinated support throughout his cancer experience, no matter where he lives.
