221: Prostate Cancer Recovery: More Than Just a PSA Test with UK Prostate Cancer Nurse Sophie Smith

In this episode of The Penis Project Podcast, Melissa speaks with Sophie Smith, a prostate cancer specialist nurse based in the UK, about what prostate cancer nursing looks like on the other side of the world.  Sophie has been nursing for 23 years, with her entire career connected to urology and prostate cancer care. She now works with Prostate Cancer UK, providing information, support and guidance to men, partners and families navigating prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment decisions, side effects and life after treatment.  Melissa and Sophie compare the UK and Australian systems, including the role of prostate cancer nurses, access to sexual rehabilitation, erectile dysfunction care, psychosexual support, pelvic floor education, penile implants, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and the sometimes-controversial topic of lymph node removal.  This episode is a thoughtful and practical conversation about the parts of prostate cancer treatment that are not always discussed enough: erections, identity, relationships, grief, masculinity, intimacy and the importance of having someone safe to talk to.  And yes, as always, we talk about penises. Because ignoring them has never helped anyone.  Sophie’s biggest message to men going through prostate cancer treatment is to reach out and get support. Prostate cancer can feel lonely, especially when the changes affect sex, relationships and mental wellbeing. But you do not need to sit with those worries by yourself.  Sometimes the hardest part is starting the conversation. Once one brave person says, “Actually, this has been difficult for me,” the floodgates often open.    Resources & Links:  Prostate Cancer UK has a range of services that can help see links below:  https://prostatecanceruk.org/  support services page with all the support we offer: https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/get-support    Sexual Support: https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/get-support/sexual-support  Partners Support Group: https://tackleprostate.org/support-groups/national-prostate-cancer-partners-support-group/  Book an appointment with our sexual health nurse practitioners at Restorative Health Clinic  For more information check out our websites www.rshealth.com.au , www.makehardeasy.com.au and www.melissahadleybarrett.com  Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia https://www.pcfa.org.au/   Need support?  At Restorative Health Clinic and Make Hard Easy, we support men and their partners with:  penile rehabilitation after prostate cancer treatment  erectile dysfunction  peyronie’s disease  premature ejaculation  intimacy and sexual recovery  partner-inclusive support where appropriate  practical, evidence-based strategies for getting confidence back  We offer in clinic consultations in Australia and telehealth consultations Australia/ World-wide, making it easier for men to access experienced, compassionate support no matter where they live.  Listen & Subscribe  If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! Your feedback helps us continue bringing important conversations to light. Search for The Penis Project Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite podcast app.  Connect With Us   We love hearing from real people, navigating penile health. If you’d like to share your journey or ask a question, get in touch. Email: [email protected]    Websites:  https://rshealth.com.au/  All genders  https://makehardeasy.com.au   https://melissahadleybarrett.com   Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/melissahadleybarrett/  https://www.instagram.com/restorativehealth.clinic/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@melissahadleybarrett   TikTok: @melissahadleybarrett  Facebook:  https://m.facebook.com/p/Melissa-Hadley-Barrett-100085237672685/  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085146627814  Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-hadley-barrett/   TEDX:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjHj1YTmLoA