Action Prostate Cancer

The Irish Cancer Society's Action Prostate Cancer (APC) programme is the leading provider of prostate cancer information and support in Ireland. APC includes the prostate cancer information service, which is staffed by specialist cancer nurses who provide expert information, support and advice to those affected by prostate cancer and those who care for them. We strive to ensure that everyone affected by prostate cancer receives the highest standards of treatment, support and care, and to improve the quality of life of people living with prostate cancer.

The services of the Irish Cancer Society's Action Prostate Cancer programme include:

Annual Patient Conference

Among several annual patient conferences held by the Irish Cancer Society is the "Supporting Men with Prostate Cancer" conference, which is free to attend. The 2012 conference takes place at Croke Park on Saturday, November 24th, 2012. Click here for more details on the "Supporting Men with Prostate Cancer" Conference.

National Cancer Helpline

We offer information, support and advice in confidence to people who are affected by prostate cancer, or to people who have general questions about prostate health. Specialist cancer nurses answer all calls to our helpline. Freefone 1800 200 700.

Prostate cancer information service

Anyone concerned about prostate health can ring, email or drop in to access free, confidential advice and support. Information is also available about any aspect of prostate cancer including prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment or follow-on care.

You can call the National Cancer Helpline on 1800 200 700, email at prostate@irishcancer.ie, join Cancer chat to chat online with a nurse, or talk to others via our cancer forum. 

Our support services

We have many support services for anyone affected by cancer, including support groups, survivors supporting survivors and especially those dealing with prostate cancer: Men Against Cancer (MAC). This support group provides men and women with the opportunity to speak with others who have been affected by prostate cancer. You can contact MAC via the National Cancer Helpline 1800 200 700 or e-mail: prostate@irishcancer.ie.

Cancer information booklets

These booklets provide information on all aspects of cancer and its treatment. They also offer practical advice on learning how to cope with your illness. You can download these booklets for free, or you can order hard copies from us. Some prostate cancer specific booklets are Understanding Prostate Cancer, Understanding the PSA and the pocket diary Prostate Passport.

Counselling service

We can put you in touch with counsellors across the country to talk about anything that's on your mind. Find out more about our counselling service.

Financial help 

A diagnosis of cancer can bring with it the added burden of financial worries. In certain circumstances, we can provide limited financial assistance to patients in need. Find out more about our financial help.

Be prostate aware

Most people in Ireland know someone who has been affected by prostate cancer. We want to encourage men to be more comfortable with an area of their health that is often neglected or ignored:

• Over 2,500 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in Ireland each year.
• After skin cancer, prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer in men.
• Prostate cancer is often a slow growing cancer, particularly in older men, and symptoms may not occur for many years.
• Prostate cancer is 90% curable if it is treated in its earliest stages.
• The cumulative risk of a man developing prostate cancer before the age of 50 is 1 in 485. Before the age of 70 is 1 in 13.
• Prevention is better than cure. While doctors still do not know what causes prostate cancer, links have been made between family history of prostate cancer, age (risk of prostate cancer increases after 50 years), and men of African ethnicity. 
• All men over the age of 50, or men over 40 who have a first degree relative with prostate cancer or those of African ethnicity should consult with their GP. 

Give back

November is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month during which APC’s biggest fundraising activity, Movember happens. Movember is a global, not-for-profit, charitable event. If you want to be a part of Action Prostate Cancer, please donate. You really can make a difference.

Call our National Cancer Helpline

Freephone 1800 200 700 to talk to a specialist cancer nurse
It's open Monday-Thursday from 9am to 7pm and Friday from 9am to 5pm