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2007/2008 Grants - Prostate Cancer Helpline

Dr Carole Pinnock, Principal Research Scientist

Urology Unit - Repatriation General Hospital

Project: Gaps in Care - Information and support needs of men and their families using an online prostate cancer helpline.

Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer amongst Australian men, excluding skin cancer and has now passed colon cancer as the most common form of cancer death. 

RGH Urology Research, in conjuction with the Cancer Council Victoria Helpline operates an email helpline for men with prostate cancer and their families.

The vast majority (over 85%) of questions asked arise out of treatment or a visit to a doctor concerning prostate cancer. This suggests the need for additional clinical access.

Following analysis of questions this study will help to draw conclusions about the nature of the unmet need for information, support and advice.  It will also draw attention to a gap in services provided to men with prostate cancer, the nature of the unmet need and therefore the intervention that is likely to fill it.