Cork County Council is calling for the establishment of a national screening programme for prostate cancer, a move prompted by increasing diagnoses and a desire to improve early detection rates. The call for action comes as councillors shared personal experiences and highlighted the importance of accessible testing for men over 50.
Currently, access to prostate cancer testing in Ireland is largely dependent on individual GP referrals. This means that men must proactively discuss their risk factors with their doctor and request a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test. Unlike screening programs for breast and bowel cancer, there is no automatic invitation system for men to undergo routine testing once they reach a certain age. This lack of a structured, national approach was a key concern raised during a recent council meeting.
Prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in Ireland, with one in six men receiving a diagnosis during their lifetime. While often treatable, early detection is crucial for improving outcomes. The disease can be particularly insidious as it frequently presents no symptoms in its early stages. By the time symptoms do appear, the cancer may have progressed, making treatment more challenging.
Councillor William O’Leary, who brought the motion before the Cork County Council, emphasized the need for a national programme that provides “clear, structured access to prostate screening…with proper clinical guidance, proper follow-up pathways and national coordination.” He argued that a proactive, population-wide approach, similar to existing cancer screening programs, would save lives.
The discussion resonated deeply with several councillors, including Councillor Michael Looney, who shared his personal experience with the disease. Unfortunately, I’ve been a recipient of prostate cancer myself. I had no symptoms whatsoever and it was just by accident that I got a blood test. So it’s hugely, hugely important to go and get your PSA test done, absolutely from 50 on certainly because I had no symptoms whatsoever and I was just one of the lucky ones,
he stated, underscoring the importance of regular testing even in the absence of noticeable symptoms.
Councillor Mary Linehan Foley, the Mayor of County Cork, echoed this sentiment, noting that men are not great to go and get themselves checked out.
Councillor Marie O’Sullivan also urged men to please go and get your PSA levels done, it’s very important and very necessary for all of you.
These comments highlight a broader issue of men’s health and a potential reluctance to seek preventative medical care.
The council’s motion comes as Ireland participates in PRAISE-U (Prostate cancer Awareness and Initiative for Screening in the European Union), a three-year European pilot research project exploring the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of organized prostate cancer screening programs. While this project represents progress, Councillor O’Leary pointed out that it remains a pilot study and does not constitute a national screening programme, leaving many men at risk of later diagnoses.
The proposed national screening program would likely involve PSA blood tests, which can detect elevated levels of Prostate-Specific Antigen, a protein produced by the prostate gland. Elevated PSA levels can be indicative of prostate cancer, although they can also be caused by other conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis. Further investigation, including a biopsy, is typically required to confirm a diagnosis.
The call for a national screening program is not without its complexities. There is ongoing debate within the medical community regarding the benefits and risks of widespread PSA screening. Some concerns include the potential for overdiagnosis and overtreatment of slow-growing cancers that may never cause harm, as well as the anxiety and potential complications associated with biopsies. However, proponents argue that the benefits of early detection and improved treatment outcomes outweigh these risks, particularly for men at higher risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer.
The Cork County Council has agreed to write to the Minister for Health and the Health Service Executive (HSE) to formally request the establishment of a national prostate cancer screening programme. Councillor O’Leary concluded by stating that It’s a simple blood test. The sooner we put on a national screening program the better. Early detection and preventative measures in terms of this type of cancer are the way forward.
This initiative reflects a growing awareness of the importance of proactive men’s health and a commitment to improving cancer outcomes in Ireland.
