An ongoing trial known as ‘Darolutamide Augments Standard Therapy for Localised Very High-Risk Cancer of the Prostate’ (DASL-HiCaP) can potentially benefit men with aggressive prostate cancer types in addition to standard treatment.

DASL-HiCaP is a prostate cancer trial for patients with aggressive types of prostate cancer that remain confined to the prostate area. The purpose of this study is to see if a new drug — combined with modern radiotherapy and hormonal treatment — can improve outcomes for people with localised prostate cancer that is considered to have a high risk of recurrence.

Improving treatment for aggressive prostate cancer

The trial is randomised and controlled. This means that, in addition to the best standard treatments, half the participants in the trial will receive the new drug, and the other half will receive a placebo — a substance that has no active medicine in it. To be clear: All patients receive the current standard of care plus or minus the drug being studied.

The main aim of the study is to see if the addition of the study medication (darolutamide) to standard treatment is better for improving the outcomes of people with this type of prostate cancer compared to standard treatment.

The drug has already been shown to be beneficial in men with advanced prostate cancer, and the question to be answered by this trial is: Will this drug improve the rate of cure for patients with localised but aggressive prostate cancer?

Will this drug improve the rate of cure for patients with localised but aggressive prostate cancer?

Additional outcomes the trial aims to determine

• The impact of the new medicine on prevention of recurrence and survival
• How safe the new treatment is
• Whether the medication is cost-effective
• The effects of the new treatment on quality of life
• Differences in the costs of care for people on the new treatment
• Tests that might identify people who are more or less likely to benefit from this kind of treatment

Clinical trials ongoing in sites across Ireland

The study opened here in the summer of 2021 and has recruited participants at nine sites around the country: Bons/UPMC Cork, St. Luke’s Rathgar, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Mater Private Hospital, Tallaght University Hospital, SLRON at St. James’s Hospital, Cork University Hospital, Galway University Hospital, and the Beacon Hospital.

The trial has now recruited over 1,000 patients globally and is on target to complete recruitment by the end of June this year. This includes a significant contribution of 76 participants, so far, randomised across Ireland and the UK. If successful and properly distributed, it can improve outcomes for prostate cancer patients and complement existing treatment.

The post Potential for improved treatment of aggressive types of prostate cancer appeared first on Health News.

National Cancer Registry Ireland (NCRI) data shows the number of invasive cancer cases (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) diagnosed in both males and females averaged 24,327 during 2018–2020. The most common cancer in males was prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer accounted for 30% of all cancers diagnosed in men. Colorectal (bowel) cancer, lung cancer, melanoma of the skin, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma were the second, third, fourth and fifth most common cancers in males, respectively. For the same period, the most common cancer which caused death was lung cancer for both males and females in Ireland, followed by prostate cancer and colorectal cancer in men.

The most common cancer in males and the statistics

Prostate cancer diagnosed in men accounted for an average of 3,941 cases in 2018–2020 (30% of cancer diagnosed in men, excluding the non-melanoma skin cancers).

Prostate cancer occurs most commonly in older men with 97% diagnosed over the age of 50 years.

It is the second most common cause of death due to cancer in males, after lung cancer, accounting for 605 deaths on average in the same period. However, the chances of survival five years after diagnosis with prostate cancer are high at 93% (2014–2018).

Prostate cancer diagnosed at a later stage has a poorer prognosis and overall survival. Early information from the NCRI has demonstrated that the number of people diagnosed with prostate cancer was reduced during the Covid-19 pandemic, so people should see their GP if concerned about any urinary symptoms.

Risk factors and treatment for prostate cancer

Prostate cancer occurs most commonly in older men with 97% diagnosed over the age of 50 years. Race is also a risk factor with Black-African men at higher risk compared to White men — and the lowest risk in Asian men. Men with a family history of prostate cancer in a father, son or brother are at higher risk; and those with genetic mutations (BRCA 1 and BRCA 2) and certain syndromes (Lynch Syndrome) are also at higher risk.

A recent major report by the NCRI demonstrated that prostate cancer is more common in men living in more affluent areas in Ireland. However, survival five years after diagnosis with prostate cancer is poorer in those living in more deprived areas. Men living in more deprived areas have a higher risk of presenting with a more advanced stage at diagnosis compared to men in more affluent areas.

The most common treatment regimens for prostate cancer are radiotherapy, hormone therapy and surgery.

The post The most common cancer in males in Ireland — and the key facts appeared first on Health News.

The phrase ‘Man Box’ has emerged in psychology in recent years to describe the constraints that exist around men and the conformity to masculine beliefs, which have a significant impact on men’s health and mental health.

From childhood, men are often ‘boxed in’ by what they can and cannot feel, say and do. Anything that doesn’t fit or falls outside this box — playing with dolls, expressing fear or sadness — can pay a heavy social price. Boys learn quickly that they need to prove they fit in the box and as they grow into men, the box begins to feel smaller and smaller — more and more suffocating.

Constraints of the ‘Man Box’

Speaking at Mental Health Ireland’s ‘Man I Am’ webinar, Dr Shane O’Donnell, Health Promotion and Improvement Officer with the HSE says: “We know from research that men who feel that they have to live up to these expectations often have negative mental health outcomes. They feel they have to be the breadwinner; self-reliant; emotionally withdrawn; the provider for the family; be physically strong; to drink alcohol.

“It really is a very limited frame we feel we have to fit into. Men who don’t fit into this frame can feel as if they’re failing as a man. It also leaves us with a limited set of tools to respond to the stresses in life.”

Men often go undiagnosed for mental health issues and are more reluctant to seek help than women.

Men don’t seek help

The box is surrounded by a code of silence — real men don’t talk about their problems; real men don’t ask for help. This prevents men from seeking professional help and care when going through emotional or personal crises. This can lead to a propensity for poor mental health, substance use, and suicidal tendency.

In Ireland, men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women. However, there are higher rates of depression and anxiety among women. This indicates that men often go undiagnosed for mental health issues and are more reluctant to seek help than women when they’re struggling.

Getting out of the ‘Man Box’

Poor mental health and high suicide rates among men are a modern-day epidemic, and we’re taking action. Ireland was the first country to have a men’s health policy — largely driven by the Men’s Health Forum in partnership with the HSE to support men’s health and mental health. We must work hard to break the cycle of silence and shame among men and provide a safe and supportive space outside of the confines of the ‘Man Box.’

The post What is a ‘Man Box’ and how can we be free from its constraints? appeared first on Health News.

Males constitute almost 50% of the population on the island of Ireland and, therefore, deserve to have a gender lens focused on their specific health needs.

Research shows that men experience a high burden of ill health and die too young. Their poorer lifestyles are responsible for a high proportion of chronic diseases and men’s late presentation to health services can lead to a large number of problems becoming untreatable.

Policy supporting men’s health

In response, the Republic of Ireland developed a National Men’s Health Policy — the first country in the world to do so. The Policy recognised the important role played by service providers and local practitioners in improving the health of men and boys and acknowledged that these stakeholders also have training and support needs.

Men are (contrary to public perception)
interested in their health.

In 2017, the Policy was followed by a Healthy Ireland – Men Action Plan. This action plan has been reviewed and updated. It provides both the bedrock of and a mandate for a focus on men’s health needs.

Men’s health initiatives in Ireland

There are many practical initiatives which have been piloted in Ireland to improve men’s health. These include:

• Men’s Health Week, which runs from 12th to 18th June (Father’s Day).
• Farmers Have Hearts, run by Irish Heart Foundation and supported by HSE and Glanbia, aims to promote and support health behaviour change to improve the cardiovascular health of Irish farmers.
• Men on the Move is a physical activity and lifestyle programme that targets overweight men to engage in exercise and improve their mental health.
• HSE ‘Engaging Men’ and ‘Masculinities and Men’s Health’ webinars are run four times a year, covering topics such as the ‘what,’ ‘why,’ ‘when’ and ‘how’ of men’s health.
• Cairde (Construction Alliance to Reduce Suicide) was set up to investigate why construction workers are at higher risk of suicide and develop suicide prevention training and resources for the Irish construction industry.
• One of the best initiatives is the Engage National Men’s Health Training Programme. The course, called ‘Engage – Connecting with Men’, is a one-day workshop offered to a broad range of practitioners. It aims to increase participants’ understanding of best practices when seeking to connect males with health and social services. Following a train-the-trainer programme in 2022, HSE Health Promotion and Improvement staff are now running workshops for frontline health and social care staff throughout the country.
  
  These initiatives, and more, demonstrate that men are (contrary to public perception) interested in their health — if we offer them the right things in the right ways.

The post Initiatives helping men across Ireland take a closer look at their health appeared first on Health News.

Not too long ago, we were unaware of the full extent of men’s poor health status and the specific health issues that they are contending with. However, this is no longer the case.

In recent years, a broad range of research¹ has highlighted the health challenges which face men in Ireland and further afield. 

Tips for Men’s Health Week 

Men, themselves, need to play a central role in taking control of their health and wellbeing. Men’s health is not just an issue for individual men — their health can often be determined by other factors outside of their control. Thus, policymakers, service providers and society as a whole must recognise the role they need to play. 

International Men’s Health Week (MHW) 2023 (Monday 12th—Sunday 18th June) offers an ideal opportunity for the whole of Ireland to make these positive changes. MHW is celebrated in many European countries, as well as in the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and several places worldwide. 

The overall aims are simple: 

• Heighten awareness of preventable health problems for males of all ages 
• Support men and boys to engage in healthier lifestyle choices/activities 
• Encourage the early detection and treatment of health difficulties in males 

Support men and boys to engage in
healthier lifestyle choices/activities.

Putting men in control of their health 

In Ireland, it’s very common to hear people say: ‘Ah, sure, your man’s the picture of health.’ During MHW 2023, everyone is being asked to think about what their ‘picture of health’ might look like and to go for it. 

While some aspects of our health are determined by things which are beyond our control (such as genetics, our income, the environment that we live in and our access to services), there are also simple, practical and realistic things we can all do to improve our health and live a longer life.  

To support MHW 2023, a new free Man Manual — ‘Action Man: ten top tips to improve men’s health’ — is available. This doesn’t preach or lecture, it simply explains: 

• Why an action is needed 
• What can be done about it 
• How to find support if you need it 

The 10 top tips put men into the driving seat and give them the tools and DIY instructions to make positive changes — if they choose to be their own ‘Action Man.’ 

[1] https://www.mhfi.org/MensHealthInNumbers1.pdf

The post Making health easy and accessible for men with some top tips appeared first on Health News.

Globally, men die 4.5 years earlier than women for largely preventable reasons.

In most countries — including Ireland — men have poorer health and die before their time. Irish men are more likely than women to die from preventable and treatable diseases. Seven out of twelve top causes of male mortality could be reduced with lifestyle changes such as improving diet, regular exercise and seeking medical help sooner. However, some male health problems are more complex and require a different approach.

Three out of four suicides are men

In Ireland, three out of four suicides are men; and although the male suicide rate has been falling for several years, it is the leading cause of death in 15 to 34-year-old males.

Risk factors include acute stress, low mood, social isolation along with the belief that they shouldn’t talk openly about their feelings. This can deter them from seeking help and receiving treatment which can lead to men struggling in silence until it’s too late.

The most diagnosed cancer among younger men (under the age of 45) is testicular cancer.

Prostate and testicular cancers on the rise

Ireland has the highest rate of prostate cancer in the European Union; although, this may be partly related to high levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing. The most diagnosed cancer among younger men (under the age of 45) is testicular cancer.

There has been a huge increase in biomedical research investment for both cancers since Movember began in 2003. This includes funding for a team from University College Dublin, through Movember’s international GAP1 project, who went on to develop the epiCapture DNA test which measures the aggressiveness of prostate cancer without the need for biopsies. Despite these breakthroughs, there are still unanswered questions about the best way to diagnose and treat these cancers.

We can’t afford to stay silent

Male cancers and mental health issues strike at the very heart of what it is to be a man. Men worry about them but find it difficult to talk about them openly. Although progress has been made in recent years, there is still a huge stigma surrounding mental health. Many live in fear of mental health challenges being revealed, especially in the workplace. For many men, urological symptoms are still shrouded in shame and embarrassment which deter them from seeking help — even if it might be life-threatening.

No one says it’s easy for men to talk about what’s worrying them; but by challenging those outdated attitudes and behaviours, we can make it okay for men to seek help when they need it.

The post Empower men to take action on their health and protect future generations appeared first on Health News.

It was the summer of 2016. I was on a holiday of a lifetime when I found out about my prostate cancer.

I was watching Coldplay in Concert. That day, I had been writing one of the final chapters of my memoir ‘The Boy on the Shed.’ An unexpected heart attack three years prior had focused my mind on putting my life to date down on paper. It was all going so well until I noticed I was getting up in the night to pee a little more often than usual.

Know when to see a doctor

I knew not to take any chances. I made an appointment with my doctor. One palpation of my prostate later, I was having a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test. My PSA was high. I was put on a fast-track programme to see a urologist. I got a letter telling me to ignore the first one I’d received, and that another one would follow. I did ignore it — for four months!

It was all going so well until I noticed I was getting up in the night to pee a little more often than usual.

I assumed I wasn’t a priority and waited. I’d all but forgotten about it until I made my way to the toilet at the Coldplay concert. I stood at the urinal and waited — nothing came. I couldn’t tell you what Coldplay sang for the rest of the night. My mind was elsewhere. It was on the fact that something was very wrong and wondering where my letter was.

Catching it early

I called the hospital when I got home. I had my appointment. I had my biopsy — I had prostate cancer. I opted to have a prostatectomy. I hoped that would cure it. It didn’t. There was a positive margin. I was back in the hospital a year later for radiotherapy and hormone treatment.  I’m four years clear now. I live with the side effects of my treatments — incontinence, erectile dysfunction, infertility and penile shrinkage (indeed!). Sometimes, that gets me down. Then, I remind myself that I‘m one of the lucky ones. My cancer was caught early enough, even if it did take a ruined Coldplay concert to get me back on track.

The post I’m one of the lucky ones for listening to my body and finding cancer early appeared first on Health News.

‘World Cup Fever’ is in the air. Men across Ireland have planned their viewing schedules, stockpiled enough refreshments to see them through a nuclear winter and made arrangements with their friends to share this four-yearly experience.

The World Cup has created a common bond among many local men. They have a reason to be in each other’s company. They are well-informed about what lies ahead. They are motivated, excited and enthusiastic. They are likely to show more emotion than usual —they’ve obviously caught a bug. Maybe ‘World Cup Fever’ is a medical condition after all.

Men’s health risks

There is clear evidence that men in Ireland are facing other medical conditions that attract much less attention. Put simply, local males experience a disproportionate burden of ill health and die too young. They —

• [Mostly] die younger than women;
• Have higher death rates for almost all of the leading causes of death and at all ages;
• Adopt lifestyles that can cause chronic diseases;
• Often present too late to health services for effective treatment;
• Are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviours (eg. speeding, drunk driving);
• Eat less healthy, are more likely to be overweight and drink more alcohol;
• Have mental health needs which often remain under the radar and unmet.

The Republic of Ireland was the first country to adopt a National Men’s Health Policy and, subsequently, a Healthy Ireland – Men Action Plan.

An interesting fact

The Republic of Ireland was the first country to adopt a National Men’s Health Policy and, subsequently, a Healthy Ireland – Men Action Plan. This action plan is now being reviewed and updated. It provides both the bedrock of and a mandate for, a focus on men’s health needs.

Men’s health initiatives

There are many practical initiatives which have been piloted in Ireland to improve men’s health. These include Men’s Health in Numbers; Men’s Health Week; The Engage National Men’s Health Training Programme; Farmers Have Hearts; Sheds for Life; Men on the Move; GAA Healthy Club Project; HSE ‘Engaging Men’ and ‘Masculinities and Men’s Health’ webinars.

These initiatives demonstrate that men are (contrary to public perception) interested in their health — if we offer them the right things in the right ways. The Irish squad may not be through to the final stages of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, but we can still use this time of ‘goodwill among all men’ to focus on male health needs and play our part to improve the lot of men and boys — now, that would be a momentous win on the world stage!

The post Could ‘world cup fever’ be a medical condition among men? appeared first on Health News.

Even though as many as one in four men over 50 years old can experience urinary leakage, a need to destigmatise the topic helps men feel empowered to keep control of their bodies.

It’s not always easy for men to talk about involuntary urine leakage. Whether experiencing light drips and dribbles or heavier leaks, it can leave men feeling isolated and anxious, affecting their self-confidence.

Momentary leakage

Community pharmacist Mark Jordan believes that lifestyle changes can help reduce the impact and prevent urinary incontinence — defined as involuntary loss of urine — from becoming more serious.

As a pharmacist in a village in northwest Mayo, he says: “Urinary incontinence within the male population affects roughly half of the individuals I come into contact with aged 50 and over.”

A community pharmacy can be the first point of contact for men who require help and advice for urinary incontinence. The condition broadly falls into three main categories: momentary leakage; a moderate degree of incontinence; or complete loss of control where medication or referral to a urologist is necessary.

Lifestyle changes

Momentary leakage could be where the loss of control is due to strenuous activity, laughing, ingesting something that encourages leakage — like a caffeinated drink — or increased bladder fill.

“It can move to a moderate degree of urinary incontinence where there is less control and possibly more urgency and frequency involved,” says Jordan, who is active with the regulatory body Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland.

A community pharmacy can be the first point of contact for men who require help and advice for urinary incontinence.

“We are looking at abstinence from caffeinated drinks and trying to increase overall wellness, so men have better control of their bladder. Anybody experiencing symptoms of incontinence or a change in bladder control should seek advice from a medical professional,” he adds.

The community pharmacist may also advise products that help with urinary incontinence.

Breaking the stigma

Stressing the importance of breaking the stigma, he acknowledges that urinary incontinence is openly discussed in reference to women’s health. But for men, it is not something they are comfortable discussing.

“When I talk to men about this, I point out how common urinary incontinence is and how products like discreet male protective pads and underwear can help. It is heartening to know how they offer good control for many men. Incontinence can often be treated, and products like TENA MEN can help you manage,” he adds. “By educating people who experience urinary incontinence, we can remove the stigma and assist in treating what is a common problem. It gives people the tools to avoid suffering in silence.”

The post How to help men eliminate the urinary incontinence stigma appeared first on Health News.

It is estimated that approximately 350,000 people over the age of 40 are affected by bladder weakness in Ireland, with about 10% of men suffering from some form of urinary incontinence.

Patients, in particular men, do not often discuss urinary incontinence or seek out advice from their healthcare professional. In pharmacy, we offer an informal and approachable environment and we are freely available to discreetly discuss options to help improve the condition and its symptoms.

Seeking advice and support

Causes of urinary incontinence in men may vary but they can include illnesses such as diabetes or an enlarged prostate. Because of this, it’s important to consult your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any new symptoms.

The less drips, the less absorbent and the more drips, the higher the absorption.

It may not always be necessary to use medications to treat urinary leakage. Lifestyle measures such as spacing your fluid intake, restricting your caffeine or alcohol intake and use of lifestyle products can give control, confidence and independence back to your day.

The important message for patients who suffer from urinary leakage of any sort is to speak with your pharmacist or healthcare professional to find the best support for you.

Lifestyle products for daily management

When using lifestyle interventions, It is important to find the right product for you and your needs. Your pharmacist can help here, but as the patient is the centre of their care I like to ensure that they are educated in all aspects of their health. One product that can help is using Tena Men.

The most important feature is the depth of the pad, as this will determine how well the product meets their individual needs. Each pack of Tena Men contains a guidance level on the outside of the pack, which ranges from light to medium and high absorbency based on the number of drips. The less, drips the less absorbent and the more drips, the higher the absorption.

Once you have chosen the correct level, you can rest assured as the individually wrapped, high absorbency core which is dermatologically tested and equipped with unique odour control will ensure a comfortable fit enabling you to live full and free during daily activities.

The post How to live your life free from worries of urinary incontinence appeared first on Health News.