JOE goes blue to help Blue September’s campaign to fight men’s cancer

For the next two days, JOE goes blue to make sure the vital Blue September campaign gets your attention.

The ball’s in your court lads, so face up to men’s cancer! If cancer is detected in its early stages, the chances of beating the disease are greatly increased. So why do a lot of men put off getting themselves checked out? Why do us blokes put off getting checked out by the doctor when it comes to problems downstairs? It may be that we’re too embarrassed to show our problem to our doctors (just remember, they’ve seen worse) or that we’re not sure about what symptoms to look out for? Blue September, sponsored by Vhi Healthcare, aims to tackle this with a nationwide awareness and fundraising campaign highlighting male specific cancers. Throughout this coming September, through a variety of fun and serious initiatives, Blue September will inform us blokes about the specific cancers that affect us and motivate us to go to the doctor to get our man bits checked out. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Kicking off on September 1, Irish comedians Dermot Whelan and Bernard O’Shea (Republic of Telly) are on board to highlight the challenge, which is ‘DARE TO GO BLUE’. For the month of September, you’re being asked to challenge yourself or others to take part in a variety of daring feats, activities and challenges to promote the Blue September message and to raise much needed funds for the Blue September charity coalition; The Mater Foundation Dublin, The Mercy Hospital Cancer Appeal and Cancer Care West. It’s a fact that more men develop cancer and die from the disease than women. Recent campaigns highlighting breast and cervical cancers have successfully educated women on the early cancer symptoms to look out for and this has contributed greatly to the rise in women’s cancer survival rates. So, Blue September, sponsored by Vhi Healthcare, aims to replicate this success and increase survival rates through an information and awareness programme in addition to fundraising for screening and treatment equipment. Over 3,000 men are diagnosed with cancer in Ireland each year, but early detection improves survival rates and Blue September aims to boost awareness among men of this disease. Dr. Bernadette Carr, Medical Director, Vhi Healthcare said “Vhi Healthcare is proud to sponsor Blue September and to 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. “Year on year, Vhi Healthcare is at the heart of provision of cancer care, ensuring our customers can benefit from the advances in medical technology and medication, which deliver the best outcomes. Last year alone we paid out over €213 million on cancer care. It is very encouraging to see that 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. At Vhi Healthcare we are hopeful that our partnership with Blue September will help this trend to continue and promote the need for on-going awareness of key cancers amongst men.” First launched in New Zealand in 2008, Blue September has grown into an international fundraising and awareness campaign. This is its third year in Ireland and welcomes Vhi Healthcare as the campaign’s sponsor giving Blue September an exciting boost in its challenge of making Irish men face up to cancer. For more information on Blue September and how you can get involved check out www.blueseptember.ie Dare to go Blue & face up to men’s cancer. Visit www.BlueSeptember.ie