The number of middle aged men diagnosed with prostate cancer has increased dramatically in the past 10 years, it emerged today.
The Irish Cancer Society revealed some 2,758 new cases were confirmed in 2009, a rise of 85% over a decade.
In men aged 55-64, the number of patients diagnosed more than doubled, it added.
The Irish Cancer Society and Vhi Healthcare launched Men’s Health Awareness Week as the World Cup kicked off by encouraging men to keep their eye on the ball and look after their health.
About 5,500 men are diagnosed with the five most common male cancers - prostate, bowel, lung, skin and testicular – each year.
Norma Cronin, health promotion manager, said when compared to women, men are less likely to discuss their health or go to a doctor to address health issues.
“Only 20% of men know that they have a one in three chance of developing cancer during their lifetime and only 26% go to their GP for regular check-ups,” said Ms Cronin.
“We want to make discussion and action on men’s cancer prevention and early detection as open as the discussion around breast cancer. We are asking men to wake up to the facts about male cancer.”
Risk factors for the development of the common cancers in men are increasing age, smoking, family history, eating a diet which is high in fat, lack of physical activity, being overweight and alcohol consumption.
Medics said men needed to eat more fresh fruit and vegetables, eat a range of foods high in fibre and low in fat, increase exercise, maintain a healthy weight range and moderate the amount of alcohol they drink.
They should also discuss any family history of cancer with their GP and visit a doctor if they have any concerns.
Dr Bernadette Carr, medical director of Vhi Healthcare, said some €232m was paid out in respect of 112,000 claims relating to cancer illness last year – including €16m to those with prostate cancer.
“Our claims figures over the last few years indicate that cancers affecting men are on the increase and we believe that it is imperative that we do what we can to raise awareness around early detection and prevention,” she added.