A NEWLY appointed prostate cancer specialist nurse has called on men to take ownership of their health.
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David Heath is one of 13 nurses across the nation to fulfil a new specialised role that the Prostate Cancer Foundation has initiated with funds from the Movember Foundation.
“We need to be proactive about our health,” he said.
Doctors diagnose more than 20,000 cases of prostate cancer annually with about 3300 men dying from the disease each year.
Mr Heath urged all men older than 50 and those older than 40 with a family history of prostate, breast or ovarian cancers to speak with their doctor about a prostate check. He said early diagnosis and treatment yielded the best recovery outcomes.
Mr Heath will work with urologists and other health professionals to support men and their families.
“I’ve been a nurse for nearly 12 years now, working in orthopaedics, intensive care and emergency and I’ve always had an interest in men’s health,” he said.
“The role is about getting men to be more proactive and look after themselves.”
Mr Heath works three days a week at Bendigo Health in the new position and also works as a paramedic.
