New NCCP ‘Having your Prostate Checked: A Guide’ Published

  •  Prostate cancer is Irelands most common invasive cancer (excluding Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer NMSC))
  • Available at healthpromotion.ie

Having your prostate checked: A Guide

 The updated ‘Having your prostrate checked: A Guide’ was published today (Friday, 10th November) by the HSE National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP). The guide provides information on prostate issues and outlines the potential benefits and risks of a prostate check.

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Pictured above: Mr Tom Hope - Secretary, Men Against Cancer (MAC)

Prostate cancer is the commonest invasive cancer in Ireland (excluding skin cancer) with over 3,300 males diagnosed each year. 

This booklet is for anyone thinking about having their prostate checked. Your GP will help you decide if you should have it checked, and can discuss your symptoms, risk factors and the potential benefits and risks of having your prostate checked.

 A prostate check can include:

  • Questions about your health
  • A Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test
  • Having your prostate examined

Mr Paul Sweeney, National Urological Cancer Clinical Lead, explained: “The guide aims to help patients and their families understand the benefits and harms of a prostate check. People who are worried about prostate cancer and who would like to have their prostate checked are encouraged to discuss this with their GP.”

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Pictured above: Dr Una Kennedy, GP Advisor to the NCCP

Dr Una Kennedy, GP Advisor, HSE NCCP, stated, “There are several reasons why someone might wish to have their prostate checked, such as concerning symptoms or a family history of prostate issues. This guide was developed to provide clear and easy to understand information about prostate checks, to help people make that decision.”

Ms Eileen Nolan, Programme Manager, NCCP, concluded: “We would like to thank everyone involved in the development of this guide, especially the patient representatives for their invaluable contribution.”

The guide is an update of the previous patient booklet and reflects the recommendations within the NCCP Prostate Cancer GP Referral Guideline. 

Copies of the guide are free to order from https://www.healthpromotion.ie/ 

Last updated on: 08 / 11 / 2023