Prostate cancer survivorship of Australian men living with prostate cancer: Patient support programs in Australia

Background: Treatment for prostate cancer (PC) is associated with adverse effects, especially in patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). The Australian Government, non-governmental organisations and pharmaceutical companies responsible for marketing ADT have initiated and sponsored various strategic support programs for patients diagnosed with PC. Objective: This professional article provides an overview of available PC patient support programs in Australia to assist general practitioners (GPs) to direct patient referrals and optimise clinical care. Discussion: These PC support programs provide useful assistance on educational materials, decision support, clinical care management and referral to specialised services (eg continence advice, sexual health counselling and psychological support). More concerted efforts and smarter investment in PC survivorship programs are necessary to engage, educate and improve the lives of men living with PC more effectively.