By Molly Taylor
A NEWLY appointed nurse is providing specialist advice to Limestone Coast patients undergoing prostate cancer diagnosis or treatment.
Tracy Bryant was appointed as the first Limestone Coast prostate cancer specialist nurse in November last year and is based at the Mount Gambier Hospital.
The Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse (PCSN) program is a free service that can provide a patient and family with support and advice.
This includes discussing available treatment options, side effect management, psychological support, helping access services in the community during and after treatment and responding to any questions and concerns.
Prostate cancer rates in the Limestone Coast are significant when compared to national numbers, with reports showing Naracoorte recorded 25pc above the national average and 21pc in Millicent, while death associated with prostate cancer was 44pc above the national average in Millicent.
Ms Bryant has been a nurse for the last 32 years and was the previous Northern Adelaide Local Health Network palliative service advanced nurse unit manager.
Working across a diverse range of experiences, Ms Bryant said the position appealed to her as her partner was a farmer and her friend was the prostate cancer specialist nurse in Ballarat.
“It has been a steep learning curve for me to come back to cancer care,” she said.
“I have experience in looking after people in the community and I find it fascinating delving into how things are for men living in regional areas.
“They are faced with lots of choices along the way and I think a main part of my role is supportive care, not giving them advice but being able to help them answer questions and help them understand the treatment options.”
Ms Bryant will work part-time and will be available to travel when required.
