The Grafton Barber in partnership with the Marie Keating Foundation are raising awareness of Men’s Health this November. Launched today with the support of Actor and Comedian Simon Delaney a long-term patron of the Grafton Barbers. This cancer awareness campaign comes at a time when men’s health needs national attention with cancer now being the primary cause of death for men in Ireland accounting for 30.8% of all male deaths.

“Don’t Be Nuts – Check the Facts” grabs attention by leaning into humour with attention grabbing, smile inducing images and the must have car accessory of the season, the “Don’t Be Nuts- Check the Facts” air freshener” will be on sale all month in store and online.

These funny and functional fresheners have been developed to raise awareness for men’s health, specifically the most common cancers in men and enable them to get the facts on how to get checked by scanning a QR code linking directly to a “Check the Facts” dedicated page on mariekeating.ie with important advice and information from the trusted national charity.

The risk of dying from cancer is 34% higher for men than for women. The campaign has a clear calling to men of “Don’t be Nuts, Check the facts” urging them to educate themselves on the most common cancers in Ireland, particularly those affecting men such as Prostate and Testicular, but also other cancer prevalent in Irish men such as skin, lung and bowel cancer. Highlighting the signs and symptoms to look out for along with support’s screening services available.

Speaking about the initiative Director of Nursing Services Helen Forristal said “Men are less likely than women to seek preventive care and undergo regular health screenings.

This is why it is so important that we raise awareness and urge men to be more proactive when it comes to their health. Within this campaign we are not just focussing on raising awareness of male specific cancers, we are highlighting cancers that are prevalent amongst males in Ireland. This is especially important, for example, while prostate cancer remains the most common cancer in men (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer), the biggest causes of cancer deaths in men are lung (21%), prostate (12%) and colorectal (11%). Check the facts and act if you notice any signs or symptoms and talk to your GP about relevant screening options!”

Irelands oldest and much-loved men’s grooming haven have been supporting the Marie Keating Foundation for many years, speaking about this latest initiative owners Hugh & Conor Mc Allister said “We have a long-standing relationship with the Marie Keating Foundation, lending our support whenever we can to support the incredible work that they do in communities all around Ireland” Conor continued: “This November we really wanted to do something that would grab attention, start some important conversations, and urge men to take action when it comes to earlier detection of cancer and more positive outcomes.” Hugh remarked “If we can have a laugh and raise some funds to further the work of the Foundation while doing so, all the better!”

Brendan Donlon, patient advocate with Bowel Cancer Ireland and ambassador for the Marie Keating Foundation is getting behind the campaign. In particular, he supports the urgent need for men to act when it comes to their health.

“It’s vital that everyone goes to their GP if they notice lasting symptoms that could point to cancer, and that they take up screening when it’s offered. We know that men often put things off or ignore symptoms for as long as they can. But the earlier cancer is found, the better the outcome. Treatment is simpler, shorter and more effective, recovery is easier, and the cost of care is lower.”

Purchase an air freshener in store at one of their sixty locations nationwide or online at graftonbarbers.com, share and engage with posts on social media to show your support. Get cracking on cancer prevention and early detection!

• Campaign landing page here