Blue September answers your questions on prostate cancer

JOE is proud to be involved with Blue September and here is a little more information on prostate cancer. Forearmed is forewarned.

What is Prostate Cancer? Prostate cancer is a slow growing, malignant cancer that develops in the walnut-sized prostate gland.  The chance of developing prostate cancer increases with age and with a family history. What are the symptoms of Prostate Cancer? Pain or burning when urinating Difficulty in, or increased frequency of urinating Blood in the urine or semen You may reduce your risk of prostate cancer by making healthy choices including: Eating a healthy low fat diet with lots of fruit and veg and reduce your red or processed meat intake. Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all. If you choose to drink alcohol, limit yourself to no more than a drink or two each day. Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly as men with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher are considered obese. Being obese increases your risk of cancer including prostate cancer. Talk to your doctor about your risks or any concerns you might have. If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t panic! They may be a sign that you have something other than Prostate Cancer but it’s important to get checked out by your GP. Why Vhi Healthcare? Vhi Healthcare is at the heart of provision of cancer care, ensuring customers can benefit from the advances in medical technology and medication. Vhi Healthcare is proud to sponsor Blue September and support the fantastic work done by the Mercy Hospital Cancer Appeal, The Mater Foundation and Cancer Care West.  We believe whole-heartedly that men need to face up to cancer and become more aware of the steps they can take to lessen their risk of developing cancer and how they can play a bigger role in its early detection Despite increasing prevalence of cancer in Ireland, survival rates are continuing to improve. This is due primarily to huge improvements in therapy and treatment. Increased awareness, earlier detection and access to screening facilities also contribute to more successful outcomes. Last year, Vhi Healthcare paid out over €213 million on behalf of customers receiving treatment for Cancer.  Almost 50% of those customers were men. Some information regarding the benefit paid by Vhi Healthcare in the area of male cancers is as follows; •         In 2012 over €21.1 million was paid out by Vhi Healthcare to ensure that more than 2,200 men could receive urgent treatment for either prostate or testicular cancer. •         Prostate cancer is more prevalent than testicular cancer and accounted for 94% of Vhi Healthcare’s male cancer claims, with testicular cancer making up the remainder of six per cent. •         Over 2,100 male Vhi Healthcare customers with prostate cancer were treated in 2012 – at a total cost of almost €20.6 million. •         In total Vhi Healthcare paid for almost 5,500 prostate cancer claims.  Some 27 different types of high cost drug were used to treat prostate cancer in these men, with Vhi Healthcare paying nearly €600,000 on these drugs alone. •         At €270,000, the drug Taxotere (Docetaxel) accounted for more than 45% of Vhi Healthcare’s drug spend in the effective treatment of prostate cancer. •         Vhi Healthcare paid over €0.55 million in 2012 for the treatment of testicular cancer, on behalf of approximately 90 male customers. Dare to go Blue & face up to men’s cancer. Visit www.BlueSeptember.ie