Irish Cancer Society Says That Prostate Cancer Survivors Need More Support Post-Treatment

The Irish Cancer Society, in partnership with The Movember Foundation, has said that while survival rates for prostate cancer were steadily increasing, up from 68.9% to 90.6% over the last 20 years*, men are still in need of a lot of post-treatment support.

 

Most recent figures also show that approximately 124 men in Tipperary are diagnosed with prostate cancer annually, meaning that one in eight men in the county are at risk of getting the cancer**. The Society made the comments as it launched its prostate cancer awareness month and said that reports show that approximately 3,400 men are diagnosed with the disease each year.

 

The Irish Cancer Society, with support from Movember, funds specialist nurse-led support for men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. This was a direct response to the results of a survey of prostate cancer survivors carried out in 2011 which found that a significant proportion of men said they were not prepared for and had difficulty coping with, the severity of the physical and emotional side-effects of their treatment.

 

Mary Cremin, Tipperary native and Care, Advice, Support and Education (CASE) Nurse in St. James’s Hospital in Dublin said, “It is really important that the appropriate supports are available for men after a prostate cancer diagnosis. Some of the side-effects, such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction, are very difficult to deal with and can be a cause for a lot of extra stress and worry for patients. This is where cancer support services are really valuable.”

 

“Besides the huge challenge of dealing with the physical impacts of a cancer diagnosis, there is also the emotional and psychological effects to think about. It’s assumed that men are typically that bit slower to seek out help from support services but this is changing and men are actively seeking support now. Movember and mental health awareness campaigns have definitely helped in that respect.

 

“The nurse-led support really important because it is specific to the needs of prostate cancer patients and all the time and expertise they need can be given to them. A post-diagnosis treatment plan ranging from pre-surgery to post-surgery is put in place so that the men feel supported at each and every point in the process,” Dalton concluded.

 

The cause of prostate cancer is unknown but there are factors that can increase the chances of getting the disease. Risk increases as people get older with most men being diagnosed with prostate cancer aged over 50 years. Men whose brother or father developed prostate cancer at a young age also have an increased risk.

 

Prostate Cancer symptoms may include some or all of the following:

  • A slow flow of urine
  • Trouble starting or stopping the flow
  • Passing urine more often, especially at night
  • Pain when passing urine
  • Blood in the urine or semen
  • Feeling of not emptying your bladder fully

To speak to a cancer nurse on any aspect of cancer contact our Cancer Nurseline on Freephone 1800 200 700, emailcancernurseline@irishcancer.ie or drop into one of our 13 Daffodil Centre in hospitals nationwide. For information on Daffodil Centre locations and opening times email daffodilcentreinfo@irishcancer.ie. Visit our website www.cancer.ie for cancer information and support services.

 

Money raised during Movember is used to fund the Irish Cancer Society’s services to support people through their prostate cancer journey and also fund vital cancer research. Visit www.ie.movember.com and join the movement for men’s health.

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