The Irish Men's Sheds Association have launched a series of roadshows to encourage men to talk about prostrate cancer.
"Shed some light on Prostate Cancer" aims to spread awareness about prostate cancer among men. There are 400 regional men's sheds across Ireland and the aim of the roadshow is to encourage peer-to-peer conversations about prostate cancer.
Despite one in eight Irish men being affected by prostate cancer in their lifetime, 32% said they find it difficult to talk to family or loved ones about health related issues while 29% said that they actively avoid having these conversations with loved ones.
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As November is prostate cancer awareness month, ISMA said that they want to facilitate a space for men across the country to speak about their experiences and to realise that they are not alone in their cancer journey.
The roadshow events will be led by a team of IMSA members who volunteered as conversation facilitators and attended an insights session to help them lead prostate cancer discussions with members in their local Men’s Shed.
Enda Egan CEO of the Irish Men’s Sheds Association, said, "We commend all Shed members who have participated in the insights session to become conversation facilitators for our national roadshow series, and we urge Shedders throughout Ireland to join the local events this month to discuss a medical condition that unfortunately touches the lives of so many men across the country."
“The role of peer-to-peer conversations in helping men open up and avoid suffering in silence when it comes to prostate cancer is very important," added general manager Ispen Ireland Paul Byrne.
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