Prostate cancer will affect 1 in 13 Irish men this year. This could help

Did you know that Ireland has one of the highest death rates when it comes to prostate cancer?

Let’s face it – it’s not exactly a topic that people enjoy talking about, but given the fact that 1 in 13 Irish men will be diagnosed with the disease in 2012 alone, it’s important for men to take any steps necessary to keep themselves safe.

While you might not be in the red-zone just yet - it's recommended that all men of 50 years and older who have no history of family prostate cancer,and men at 40 who have a history, should take prostate tests every year - you should still keep it in mind, and someone in your family may well be glad to know.

PROSTA-Check is a new, one-step home-check kit that can help you look after yourself and your health. Available in pharmacies nationwide, PROSTA-Check tests for elevated levels of a protein called Prostate Specific Antigen, or PSA. Elevated levels of PSA can be an early indication of prostate cancer, so knowing what your levels are could end up saving your life.

The good news? The PROSTA-Check doesn’t involve anything nasty. All you need to do is simply draw a little bit of blood and place it into the test device. Put a bit of the diluent onto the test device and then wait 15 minutes. The PROSTA-Check will be able to then tell you if your PSA levels are elevated - and if your levels are high then you know you need to go and see your GP.

While the PROSTA-Check does not diagnose prostate cancer, it detects high levels of the PSA protein, which is produced by normal prostate cells and released into your bloodstream by the prostate gland. While high levels of PSA can be associated with prostate cancer, they can also indicate that there is some other prostate condition present such as a urinary infection or some inflammation.

With prostate cancer being so widespread in Ireland, PROSTA-Check offers reassurance, especially if the disease runs in your family or if you have previously suffered from it.

Prostate cancer is serious and it’s important to check yourself and check your health on a regular basis.

PROSTA-Check is available from pharmacies nationwide now for €16.99. For more information see www.prostacheck.ie.