The Marie Keating Foundation is marking September being Prostate Cancer Awareness month by launching a new campaign with a powerful message for men: "Stand Up for Your Prostate". As prostate cancer continues to impact lives globally, with nearly 1.5 million (1 ) men diagnosed annually and an estimated 397,000 (1 ) deaths, the Foundation's latest initiative is urging men across Ireland to "Pay Attention to Their Pee" and prioritise their prostate health.
The Marie Keating Foundation’s annual “Stand Up for Your Prostate” campaign kindly supported by Astellas in association with MSD and Novartis, now in its 8th year, harnesses the power of humour to spark crucial conversations about prostate health. Fronted by comedian and actor Danny Kehoe, the campaign's video — narrated by the hilarious Karl Spain — uses humour to address the often-overlooked signs and symptoms of prostate cancer. The video features relatable scenarios, including a comedic yet poignant segment where the protagonist struggles with a garden hose, cleverly highlighting the importance of paying attention to urinary symptoms.
Startling statistics show that 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. In Ireland, an average of 3,980 (2 ) men will be diagnosed each year and rates of prostate cancer are higher in the black community with 1 in 4 being diagnosed in their lifetime. However, when detected early, prostate cancer has a very promising five-year survival rate of over 93% (2 ). But like many other forms of cancer, these survival rates are all dependent on when the cancer is detected. Early detection saves lives, provides an opportunity for treatment choice overall and very importantly, improves survival outcomes.
The campaign aims to break the silence surrounding prostate health, encouraging men to talk to their GP about the PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen ) blood test, especially those over 50 or those aged 40-45 with a family history of prostate or breast cancer. The Foundation emphasises that anyone born with a prostate are two and a half times more likely to develop prostate cancer if a close male relative has had it. Moreover, inherited genes such as BRCA 2, as well as factors like being overweight or obese, also contribute to higher risk.
It can also be a challenge getting people to their GP to talk about prostate health and the PSA blood test. Symptoms will not always be present so being proactive with your prostate is essential. By leaning into humour once again, the campaign’s goal is to get men laughing, relating, talking, and acting.
This video begs to shared on the family chats with a “Dad, this is you” and the laughs may lead the way to more conversations about prostate health and more PSA tests taken.
The campaign video will be launched on September 9th across all Marie Keating Foundation channels, including their website www.mariekeating.ie In addition, the campaign will be visible on bus shelters, digital screens, and radio stations nationwide. The Foundation also invites the public to support the cause by purchasing the Blue Man pin for €3, with proceeds going towards supporting men on their cancer journey.
“All men, but especially those whose father, brother or grandfather had prostate cancer, need to engage in early cancer detection from the age of 45 years of age onwards.
“A simple prostate blood test, the PSA, is the best way to assess your risk. This can now be performed if you wish in the comfort of your home by a finger prick test and puts you in control of your health. Discuss this with your GP or read the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP ) booklet, ‘Having your prostrate checked: A Guide’.
“It is important to look after your health and men should make prostate health part of their routine, attending for blood tests every 1 to 2 years between the ages of 50 to 70 years,” says Mr. David Galvin, Urology Consultant at St. Vincent’s Hospital Group, and the Mater Hospital, highlighting the importance of awareness campaigns such as this.
Speaking about the campaign, campaign patient ambassador and author Gerry Kelly said: "If I waited for symptoms, I could be dead now. I say that because 25% of my prostate had cancer and my diagnosis came about as a result of blood tests conducted by my doctor.
“So, if you are a healthy young man get yourself checked anyway. If there is nothing there, good for you.
“If you find something amiss early stages it can be fixed so that you will live, laugh and love for years to come. If you have a brother, a father, a partner, or friend who is shy of doctors, nag him or drag him to his local GP. Get tested, live longer."
Urology Nurse Specialist and Director of Nursing Services at the Marie Keating Foundation, Helen Forristal explains: “Men typically get a bad reputation for not speaking about their health, but when resources and supports are put in place, we see that this is not the case, and men love to talk and learn from each other. Our Stand Up for Your Prostate campaign and the Blue Man pin itself is designed to give men an opening to speak about their health with others, and this can be exactly what some men need, a little bit of encouragement to go to their GP.
“Our message this year is a simple one, if you are 50, ask your GP to consider checking your PSA levels. If you are between 40-45 with a family history of prostate or breast cancer, have that conversation. It could save your life.”
Prostate cancer’s early warning signs can include:
• frequency passing urine,
• getting up at night-time to go to the toilet,
• pain on passing urine,
• difficulty passing urine,
• your flow has become weak or intermittent,
• blood in your urine or semen at any time that is otherwise unexplained.
Stand Up for Your Prostate and Pay Attention to Your Pee this Blue September and be more aware of your prostate health.
For more information about this campaign and information on prostate cancer, go to www.mariekeating.ie
The campaign’s Little Blue Man emblem is being sold to help encourage the conversation about men’s health and raise funds to support those on a cancer journey. The Blue Man pin is available to buy for just €3 on HERE.
