More than 360 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the Wide Bay every year highlighting a significant need for specialised, ongoing care and support.
Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses, such as Michelle Sumegi, who works at the Icon Cancer Centre Noosa are playing a pivotal role in bridging this gap, offering tailored services to patients navigating their cancer journey.
Based at Icon Cancer Centre Noosa, Michelle’s role is supported by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) and funded by the Noosa Prostate Association (NPA), a dedicated group of local men who have been raising awareness and funds since 2018.
They do this through providing an ongoing point of contact and support, coordinating care throughout their cancer journey, assisting with access to services both in the hospital and community, and providing reliable information regarding diagnosis and treatment planning.
Michelle joined Icon Cancer Centre Noosa in June last year.
She has over 14 years of comprehensive oncology nursing experience.
Her background spans multiple specialities, including medical oncology, haematology, bone marrow transplants, community-based palliative care, and regional cancer care
coordination.
Throughout her career, Michelle has observed a concerning gap in the psychosocial support available to male cancer patients, particularly those diagnosed with prostate cancer.
This disparity highlights the need for more targeted and holistic care models that address the emotional and psychological well-being of this patient group.
“Over my career, I have seen that while there was a strong network of support for women facing breast cancer, there seemed to be a gap in the support provided to men diagnosed with prostate cancer,” Ms Sumegi said.
“I became a Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse because of a deep-rooted passion to provide holistic care to the community who may be undergoing cancer treatment, especially in areas where support is often lacking.”
A key aspect of her role involves supporting prostate cancer survivors by addressing the complex challenges of treatment, including sexual dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and emotional distress.
“Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in Australia, yet many patients face significant challenges, not just in managing the disease, but in coping with the treatment side effects,” she said.
“Treatment for prostate cancer can lead to erectile dysfunction, changes in libido and a loss of sexual confidence—issues that many men find difficult to discuss. By fostering open communication and offering emotional support, I can help men feel less alone, guide them through treatment options and normalise these conversations.
“Ultimately, helping men reclaim their sexual wellbeing and providing them with the tools to manage these personal challenges is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse.”
Michelle works closely with GP’s and the broader multidisciplinary team to support patients from the point of diagnosis through to survivorship, offering tailored education, psychosocial care, treatment navigation, and assistance with sexual health rehabilitation.
“It’s important to emphasise that early detection through regular screenings and being proactive about symptoms can play a significant role in successful treatment, regardless of age,” she said.
Learn more about the PCFA Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses at pcfa.org.au/support/prostate-cancer-specialist-nurses.
You can find out more about prostate cancer treatment at Icon Cancer Centre at iconcancercentre.com.au.
