Albury-Wodonga welcomes prostate cancer specialist nurse Cindy Shaw

The Albury-Wodonga Prostate Cancer Support Group went into recess over winter and will be wound up eventually owing to declining numbers and COVID challenges.

But the continued presence of a Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia specialist nurse on the Border has provided reassurance to members.

Cindy Shaw is located in the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre and only had to move to the office next door for her new role, having previously worked in cancer research.

She started about two months ago, describing her position as one of support, education and information, helping people navigate the health system.

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"We have about 3600 men living with prostate cancer in the area and there's about 280 men newly diagnosed each year," she said.

"Just being able to talk and reach out, and also for their family, we're quite happy to talk to their partners or their children.

"Give them information, give them a bit of peace of mind and we can also help them manage the side effects of their medications and treatment.

"It seems to be well received, we're slowly getting picked up by the doctors and patients can also self-refer."

Support group convener Glenn Rose welcomed Ms Shaw's contribution as well as ongoing resources such as the wellness centre and a wider men's cancer support group.

Over the years, the prostate cancer group held several Blue Tie Balls that raised money for nursing scholarships, but pandemic restrictions made it much harder to hold activities.

"Henty Field Days was a big thing for us in getting guys together and that was called off," Mr Rose said.

"We would send a team up there for three days and all have a good time."

Mr Rose said the members remained willing to chat to anyone in need of support.

"We all agreed that we're not going to shut down 100 per cent, stop talking to people," he said.

"Even though we haven't been as active and we're going to wind it up, we're comfortable that Cindy's there and if there was a need Cindy, and even myself and others, would gladly step in and help another group."

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia chief executive Jeff Dunn said one in six men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

"Of concern, men with a family history of prostate cancer have double the risk of being diagnosed, and men in regional and rural areas of Australia face a 24 per cent higher risk of death," Professor Dunn said.

"Having specialist nurses on the ground in areas like Albury and Wodonga will ensure more local men are supported and have the best chance of beating this disease."

Ms Shaw can be contacted on 0456 814 592.

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