Each year in Ireland, 3,890 people are diagnosed with prostate cancer, making it the most common cancer in Ireland excluding non-melanoma skin cancer. With the startling fact that 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, the Marie Keating Foundation are asking men to get to know the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer and seek information about their PSA once they turn 50, or 45 with a family history of prostate cancer, or breast cancer.
When detected early, prostate cancer is so treatable, with a five year survival rate of 92%. The challenge is getting people to their GP to talk about their health and the PSA test. It is our hope that this campaign, and testimonials from people who have gone through their own journey, will be what men need to encourage them to go to their GP, start a conversation about PSA testing, and take the next steps to looking after their prostate health. Standing up for their prostate and standing up for themselves.
Talking about cancer is not easy but the Marie Keating Foundation’s mission is to ‘make cancer less frightening by enlightening’ and starting impactful conversations is a fantastic way to do just that. With host Helen Forristal, Director of Nursing at the Marie Keating Foundation, the “Talking Prostate Cancer” series explores the facts around prostate cancer, highlighting signs and symptoms, discussing the positive progress that has been made around treatment options & the impact of early detection. We were lucky to secure and incredible line up of guests to share their professional and real life experiences , listen in and share with loved ones. Click the icon to listen. New episodes will be launched each Tuesday in September .
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“Men typically get a bad rap for not speaking about their health, but when resources and supports are put in place, we see that this is not the case. Our Stand Up For Your Prostate campaign is designed to give men an opening to speak about their health with others, and this can be exactly what some men need to go to their GP. Our message is a simple one, if you are 50, ask your GP to consider checking your PSA levels.it you are 45 with a family history of prostate or breast cancer in the family have that conversation. It could save your life.” Director of Nursing Services Helen Forristal
Each of our ambassadors have bravely shared their stories this Blue September as a part of the Stand Up For Your Prostate campaign. To read each of their stories in full, click the icons below.
A PSA or Prostate-specific antigen test is a simple blood test that monitors possible changes in your prostate which may need further investigations and follow up. By having regular PSA levels checked as instructed by your GP or Urologist, it can help to detect prostate problems or cancer in it’s earliest stages, even if you are experiencing no symptoms.
“The difficult aspect about prostate cancer is that often times, the symptoms associated with the disease like difficultly passing urine, a need for more frequent urination, feeling like you are not completely emptying your bladder when urinating or getting up more than twice a night to urinate, can often be overlooked, or often aren’t experienced at all. That is why PSA testing and having that conversation is so important. I’m proud to support the Marie Keating Foundation’s Stand Up For Your Prostate campaign and would encourage all men to take that first step in prostate cancer early detection.” Urology Consultant at St. Vincent’s Hospital Private, Dr David Galvin
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