The Movember Foundation, in partnership with the Irish Cancer Society, announces specialist centres to help men diagnosed with prostate cancer cope with the side-effects of the disease.

The Movember Foundation, in partnership with the Irish Cancer Society (ICS), today announced plans to open specialist clinics in Ireland designated to men living with the side-effects of prostate cancer. Set to open in 2014, the clinics will be part of a programme called Care, Advice, Support and Education (CASE).
 
With a view to opening two side effects clinics – one in St. James’s Hospital, Dublin and one in Galway University Hospital – CASE will be staffed by specialist prostate cancer nurses who will provide care to men following treatment for prostate cancer that will improve their quality of life
 
The number of cases of prostate cancer is growing every year with 3,172 men diagnosed in Ireland in 2010. While many men make a full recovery, it is often a long journey that requires support for side effects such as erectile dysfunction and incontinence as well as for the emotional impact prostate cancer can have.
 
John McCormack, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society, said: “We know that many men struggle with the side effects of prostate cancer treatment and that often it can be difficult to talk about and get help where it’s required. We are opening these Nurse-Led Side Effects Clinics in 2014 with a view to alleviating the impact of these effects on men and to help them cope with the support of specialist prostate cancer nurses.
 
"The side-effects clinics will enhance and add value to the current post-treatment follow up care team, rather than replace them. With more men being diagnosed with prostate cancer every year, the Society is committed to ensuring that effective supports are in place to help men at a challenging time.”  
 
Neil Rooney, Country Manager of Movember Ireland, said: "Movember are committed to ensuring that men who have been affected by prostate cancer have the very best care and support available to help them through their cancer journey. Nurse-Led Side Effects Clinics will make a real difference to the lives of these men through the care provided by specialist prostate cancer nurses."
 
The new clinics are a direct response to feedback received from men living with and beyond  prostate cancer which found that they were not prepared for - and had difficulty coping with - the severity of the physical and emotional side-effects of their treatment.
 
Anyone who is concerned about cancer can contact the Irish Cancer Society National Cancer Helpline on 1800 200 700 to speak to a specialist cancer nurse of visit www.cancer.ie.