Survey predicts prostate cancer nurse crisis

Prostate cancer is expected to become the most common form of the disease by 2030, but a survey predicts an exodus of specialist nurses in this field over the next decade.

A poll of 300 prostate cancer specialist nurses by the charity Prostate Cancer UK and Plymouth and London South Bank universities has found 49 per cent will retire or leave nursing in the next 10 years.

Their report calls on the UK’s four chief nursing officers to address the looming crisis, which the charity says can be averted if action is taken now.

Co-author of the report Alison Leary, reader in advanced nursing practice at London South Bank University, said: ‘Care for the men diagnosed with prostate cancer could be put in jeopardy as a result of an overstretched, undervalued and diminishing nursing staff.'

‘Urgent action needs to be given to strategic planning to develop expertise and ensure that the workforce is a sustainable one.’

Chief executive of Prostate Cancer UK Owen Sharp added: ‘The support these nurses provide is undeniably vital, but our report shows a stark future where this experience and expertise is lost.’

Find out further information about the report on their website