Blue September is well upon us, and we are delighted to be able to bring you this year’s instalment of our important “Stand Up for Your Prostate” campaign supported by Astellas and MSD, now in its 9th year!
Every year, 620 men in Ireland…
Every year, 620 men in Ireland…
Every year, 620 men in Ireland…
Every year, 620 men in Ireland…
Every year, 620 men in Ireland…
…die from prostate cancer
…die from prostate cancer
…die from prostate cancer
…die from prostate cancer
…die from prostate cancer
What they don’t realise is that the first step in being proactive about your prostate health is much simpler than that. Early detection can start as a simple PSA blood test. They may not be looking anywhere near your rear. So, we are here to remove that fear and get more men Standing Up for their Prostate than ever before.
Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer in Ireland. Around 4,067 men are diagnosed annually in Ireland. 1 in 6 people born with a prostate will be diagnosed in their lifetime with rates of prostate cancer higher in black men with 1 in 4 getting diagnosed with prostate cancer. Men are two and a half times more likely to get prostate cancer if their father or brother had it. Inherited genes especially BRCA 2, being overweight or obese can also be risk factors to be aware of.
However, prostate cancer responds well to treatment and, if detected early, it can be treated successfully. With early detection, over 93% of men survive.
Like many other forms of cancer, these survival rates are all dependant on when the cancer is detected. Early detection saves lives allowing for better treatment options that will include a non-invasive Active Surveillance plan if suitable and can ensure a more straightforward cancer journey – and most importantly improve survival outcomes and quality of life.
The Marie Keating Foundation is urging men to take charge of their prostate health by talking to their GP about a simple PSA blood test once they turn 50 — or from 45 if there’s a family history of prostate or breast cancer. We want men to feel confident speaking openly about prostate health, recognising the signs and symptoms, and starting that important conversation with their GP. A PSA test is quick, non-invasive, and takes less than five minutes — but it could be the first step in prioritising your prostate health.
Possible Signs + Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
But always remembering it may have no signs or symptoms at all
Less Common Symptoms
Don’t Wait. Ask for the PSA Test.
Prostate cancer can often be asymptomatic, meaning there are no obvious changes or signs that something might not be right with your body. This is why open and honest communication between men and their GPs is so vital and why we urge you to ask about that important PSA blood test. A simple blood test that can detect your risk of prostate cancer in its earliest stages.
It is important to note that the prostate enlarges with age. It wraps around the urethra (waterpipe) and this enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia – BPH) can cause bladder outlet obstruction which can lead to the above symptoms. BPH is more common than prostate cancer, but the conditions may exist together. BPH is not cancerous but can be troublesome.
Everyone can take a Stand this September. You either have a prostate or know someone who does. Support our campaign by wearing the Marie Keating Foundation ‘Stand Up for Your Prostate’ pin during Blue September, Movember, Men’s Health Awareness week in June on the lead up to Father’s Day or at any other time of the year.
‘Stand Up For Your Prostate’ Pin
€3.00
Ambassador Stories
Martin has been involved in patient advocacy since his diagnosis, recognising the impact that prostate cancer can have on not only the person diagnosed but also on their partners and loved ones. He lives daily with the challenging side effects of his own treatment and is very passionate about patient quality of life with an emphasis on mental health and sexual wellbeing.
Martin’s story
“Getting the news in 2015 that I had prostate cancer was a huge shock. I was aged 49, was very fit and active, and had no symptoms or other medical issues. The diagnosis came because of a PSA blood test and subsequent scans and exams. Fortunately, the cancer was contained within the prostate.
However, I really didn’t deal well with things initially and felt very confused, afraid and isolated.
Access to cancer support services like ARC and the Marie Keating Foundation was a great help to me at this time. My partner Wallace was also a great support, and we researched what we could online, and I discussed things with my consultant, but I realise now that I may have rushed into deciding on treatment, without having all the facts in front of me, because all I could think of was getting the cancer out of my body.
Crucially, I didn’t fully consider the impact that my treatment was going to have on Wallace, something I deeply regret. I opted for a radical prostatectomy, involving the removal of the prostate completely. The procedure went well, and the cancer was successfully removed. That was a huge relief.
A few months after treatment, my mental health began to suffer. The after-effects of the surgery were much worse that I had expected, and I had difficulties with urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction, problems which unfortunately continue to this day. This also has had a significant impact on Wallace’s quality of life, and he has been amazing in how he has walked beside me all the way.
I received medical treatment and counselling for depression at that difficult time and can honestly say that things are much better now. I dedicate much of my time now to prostate cancer patient advocacy, involving myself in peer support, in raising awareness of unmet needs of patients and their partners, and in advocating for better information and care to be available to all men and their partners from the point of diagnosis of this much misunderstood disease.
I’m very proud to be co-leading a major research project, PRO-ACT, along with Dr. Paul Kelly, Radiation Oncologist. This research examines the sexual wellbeing and mental health impact of prostate cancer treatment on men and their partners, and data will be published very soon. It is being run by Cancer Trials Ireland, with support from Irish Cancer Society. I’m very committed to patient advocacy, and overall PPI (patient and public involvement) in the Irish healthcare system.
I found out long after my diagnosis that it was significant that my father had been diagnosed with prostate cancer when he was in his 70s, and indeed that his father, my grandfather, had died from prostate cancer. I would advise anyone with a family history of prostate cancer to tell their GP, because early detection is key.”
Martin is supporting the Marie Keating Foundation’s Stand Up for Your Prostate Campaign 2025 highlighting the importance of getting a PSA Blood test when you reach 50 years of age or 45 with a family history of breast or prostate cancer.
Darren Hedden is a proud father of 3 living in South Dublin with his wife and children. At just 49 years of age Darren was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. He had no symptoms and was in good health. Thanks to his proactivity with annual check ups Darren caught his cancer early.
He shares his story to help raise awareness of the importance of being proactive when it comes to your health and to urge more men to get checked and have a conversation with their GP about a PSA blood test once they are over 45 years.
This is Darren’s story:
My story began in 2021 when I went to my doctor for my annual bloods check-up – what I call my personal MOT.
Whilst on a work event – a Walk-up tick knock, I got a call back from my doctor to say everything was generally fine, bar my PSA levels were a little high for my age bracket – I was then 48 and a reading of just below 4 was somewhat high as it should be less than 2.
He said it was nothing to be concerned about, but we should keep an eye on it, and suggested I go and see a Consultant in Vincent’s hospital. This was May 2022.
The consultant did a further blood test and, as they were still over 4, he suggested I go for an MRI. This was scheduled for July 2022. This came back clear, so he suggested we continue to monitor, and do a follow up blood test 6 months or so down the road. When this was still high (in early 2023), he suggested (to ensure all was well) I go for a Biopsy. I did this in April 2023.
When I returned to the hospital in May 2023, I was told that the biopsy revealed I had low grade prostate cancer. This was a huge shock, given the MRI was clear. The last thing I was expecting to hear was the word cancer! I remember cycling back to work – just down the road from Vincents and sitting in my office completely dumbstruck and in tears – I guess when you have kids, all you think about is the life you are going to miss!
During that meeting (or maybe it was a subsequent one as I remember I took my wife Pauline with me) we had a long chat about the potential options available to me, but his recommendation (given my age and the fact the cancer was still low grade) was to go with robotic surgery to remove the prostate. This wasn’t without risk, and would be life changing, but he was confident my recovery could be positive given my age profile and general level of fitness.
On September 8th, 2023, 2 months before my 50th birthday, I underwent surgery. I know the day well as it was the start of the rugby world cup, so I joked I wanted to be back in the ward by kick off to watch the opening match between NZ and France – which I was (although in truth with the drugs, I can’t remember too much about it).
Post surgery, my recovery has gone well, and I am thankfully clear of cancer and living (for all intents and purposes) a normal life. I even got the office to do Movember, which was horror for my parents as my 50th birthday photos now have me with a moustache!
I think my age and physical health was a huge positive for me, but I also think the preparation for the operation also put me in good stead – I diligently did all my physio exercises – including lots of pelvic floor work.
My consultant also asked if I would be willing to speak to other men of my age who are facing similar situation and decision regarding the potential for robotic surgery, so I could tell them first hand of my experience. I have found this really rewarding.
I appreciate not everyone’s journey may end up like mine, but at least at the start of the journey I would like to think I can offer some support and guidance on what may lay ahead.
I can talk a lot about this, and the emotional rollercoaster, but my message to all men is get yourself checked out. If you know there’s a problem, there are many ways you can then try and fix the problem.
John Foley is a 61-year-old retired civil servant living in Tullamore, Co. Offaly. A husband and father of two, he is a lover of sport, in particular soccer. John was only 56 in 2020 when he was diagnosed with stage IV prostate cancer.
John’s journey has been challenging but he focuses on living his best life with cancer and spending as much time with family and friends as possible. He advises others to seek peer support to help them navigate their diagnosis, it can bring a wealth of solutions, new information, support and community.
John’s story:
I always thought that prostate cancer was an old man’s disease, however my GP always included PSA in my 6-monthly blood tests (for other medical issues). She queried my urinary practices when my PSA started to rise quickly and although I had minor issues, we agreed that I should see a urologist. I had just turned 56 at the time.
At my first meeting with the consultant, he felt my symptoms were mild but when he examined me, he said that one side of my prostate was a little firm. He ordered an MRI and based on this, a biopsy. The results were that I had very aggressive cancer (Gleason score 9 out of 10). We discussed options and I decided to go ahead with surgery. By the time I had my prostate removed, the cancer had already spread beyond it. I was referred to an oncologist and underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy (including tumours in my pelvis and ribs) while blocking my testosterone via medication.
After 3 years of treatment my PSA was undetectable, and I decided to take a break from treatment in agreement with my oncologist.
Unfortunately, a scan earlier this year showed a new tumour in my pelvis, and I was put back on hormone blockers and underwent radiotherapy on the tumour. I’m currently dealing with the side effects of the treatments but I’m doing well.
When I was diagnosed, I became laser focused on the cancer and just accepted the side effects as something I had to put up with, including severe incontinence. However, once I joined a peer support group and found out about other people’s journeys, I reached out to a urologist and had an artificial urinary sphincter inserted. My quality of life has improved significantly since then.
I would encourage anyone who has been diagnosed to join a peer support group. Hearing about other people’s experiences helps to put your own in perspective and can be a wealth of information about solutions that you may not be aware of. I have now begun to actively engage in advocacy work for prostate cancer patients because of my group.
I initially closed in on myself when I got cancer but talking about it has helped me realise that it’s just something that you have to deal with while living your best life. I now try to enjoy family and friends every opportunity I get.
John is supporting the Marie Keating Foundations Stand Up for Your Prostate Campaign 2025 highlighting the importance of getting a PSA Blood test when you reach 50 years of age or 45 with a family history of breast or prostate Cancer.
“The reality is that early detection often starts with a straightforward PSA blood test – and that’s more than likely it. No awkward exams, no back-door business. If men remember just one thing from this campaign, it’s that checking your prostate health doesn’t need to be a pain in the bum. Humour is helping us spark conversations that can literally save lives.
We want men to feel confident talking about their prostate health – understanding the signs and symptoms but also knowing that prostate cancer can often have no warning signs at all. That’s why starting the conversation with your GP is so important. A PSA blood test is simple, quick, non-invasive, and takes less than five minutes – yet it could be the most important step you ever take for your health.”
Helen ForristalUrology Nurse Specialist and Director of Nursing Services at the Marie Keating Foundation
“All men, but especially those with a family history of prostate cancer, should engage in early detection from age 45 or 50 onwards. A simple PSA test is the best way to assess your risk. Men should make prostate health part of their routine, attending for blood tests every one to two years between the ages of 50 and 70.”
Mr. David GalvinUrology Consultant at St. Vincent’s Hospital Group and the Mater Hospital
‘Stand Up For Your Prostate’ Pin
€3.00
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Talking
Prostate Cancer
For the third installment of the Marie Keating Foundation Talks Cancer podcast, we will be #TalkingProstateCancer. Over the next five episodes with host Director of Nursing with The Marie Keating Foundation, Helen Forristal, the “Talking Prostate Cancer” series explores the facts around prostate cancer.
Highlighting the signs and symptoms, discussing the positive progress that has been made around treatment options & the impact of early detection, we’ll talk to experts in the field of prostate cancer along with hearing some honest and open conversations about what it is like to navigate a prostate cancer journey and the impact it can have on not only the person with a cancer diagnosis but also on their intimate relationships with partners, family, and close friends.
Subscribe today to make sure you don’t miss out.
With thanks to our co-sponsors…
Season 3
Talking Prostate Cancer
Here’s a sneak peek at what to expect from this series of The Marie Keating Foundation Talks Cancer!
Season 3
Episode 1: Prostate Cancer in Ireland with Helen Forristal and Liz McEvoy
In the first episode of the series Director of Nursing and Urology Care Co-Ordinator, Helen Forristal and Liz McEvoy Urology Cancer coordinator at Tallaght University Hospital are getting the series off to a strong start exploring the facts, stats, and background to prostate cancer in Ireland.
Along with this insightful overview they answer the most frequent questions asked around prostate cancer like, what are the signs and symptoms, when to go to your GP, Family History and so much more.
Season 3
Episode 2: Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer
In this episode we delve into treatment options for prostate cancer. We are incredibly lucky to have an esteemed line up of guests taking us through a number of treatment options in depth and discussing the necessary considerations when deciding on a treatment pathway.
Director of Nursing Helen Forristal is joined by Mr Richie Power from Beaumont Hospital, Dr Gerard McVey from St Luke’s Hospital and Dr Waseem Darwish from the Mater Hospital.
Season 3
Episode 3, Patient Advocates: John Wall
In this episode we have the privilege of speaking with patient advocate John Wall whom many of you will have heard of. John is a man living with advanced metastatic prostate cancer. In this episode he shares his story with incredible honesty discussing what living with cancer is like for him and how it impacts not only his life but also the lives of his loved ones.
He talks about his journey, treatments, side effects along with his overall emotions, wellbeing, and the impact on his quality of life.
Season 3
Episode 4, Patient Advocates: Paul & Geraldine Ferris
In this episode we have the privilege of speaking with patient advocate Paul Ferris and his wife Geraldine. Former Newcastle United winger Paul Ferris was 51. He had successfully forged a post-football career as a physio, barrister and then a CEO, and his award-winning memoir, The Boy on the Shed, was just about to be published. But then he was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
He talks openly about his experience with great humor and profound bravery. Paul’s wife Geraldine joins him for some of this episode to discuss the impact of a prostate cancer diagnosis within a relationship.
Season 3
Episode 5: Survivorship with Geraldine O’Boyle
We are closing out this series with a powerful conversation about survivorship. What happens after treatment, how does it impact you physically and emotionally? We are privileged to be having a frank and open discussion with Ger O’Boyle around, infertility, urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, altered body image manhood and managing relationships. These are a reality for many, yet they sometimes stay silent for some for fear of stigma and judgment.
This is such a powerful and impactful conversation to share and inspire more open conversations amongst others facing these issues.
