Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)

I am probably not going to say anything that is much different from what many other Members said. As others stated, there is a lot of really good work being done around men's health. This month, we have seen it most publicly in sport, with Movember and the OddBalls Foundation are becoming familiar to a lot of fans.

As we all agree, men are still reluctant to go to the doctor and share personal information about their health. This could be the difference quite literally between life and death. We still have not cracked the old-fashioned mentality of "Ignore it and I don't have to deal with it." Irish men have to be more proactive about their health, particularly in the context of prostate cancer, as they face unique challenges relating to lifestyle factors and genetic predisposition.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among Irish men. Research shows that the incidence rate has been steadily rising. Despite this, many Irish men remain hesitant to seek medical advice or undergo screenings. This is often due to a reluctance to address health concerns until the symptoms become too severe. This can steal precious weeks and months away. When prostate cancer is caught early, the survival rate is higher. Although, the idea that if you get cancer then prostate cancer is a good one to get is absolute nonsense. That really annoys those of us who have had it. Many men delay seeing a doctor until it is too late, which can reduce treatment options and outcomes. In February 2015, I was told, after years of getting biopsies, that I had cancer and that it had to be removed. It was an aggressive cancer. The cancer came back a number of years later and I had to undergo radiotherapy. I am still being monitored for cancer cells by means of PSA blood tests.

Cancer can be life-changing but the longer you delay, the harder it is to treat. That is my message here today. By becoming more proactive, Irish men can enjoy a healthier quality of life and increase their chances of a healthier future.

I have long advocated for a prostate screening cancer programme. Programmes like BreastCheck and BowelScreen have saved thousands of women's lives, but there is no similar programme for men. I appeal that such a programme be put in place.

There is an expense to cancer. That impacts negatively on people who do not have money. One thing we could do is speak to the big shopping outlets that sell the likes of incontinence pads for men. They can be seen stuck in one corner of a shelf, but there will be a whole row of women's pads. We could ask the likes of Aldi, Lidl, Dunnes Stores and other stores to ensure that men are not treated any differently from women when it comes to accessing these products.

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