118 Mayo men diagnosed with prostate cancer each year

18 Mayo men, on average, face a prostate cancer diagnosis each year, based on data from the National Cancer Registry of Ireland - and half of those who undergo prostate cancer treatment will go on to experience urinary incontinence (UI).

These figures form the backdrop to the launch of ‘Dispose with Dignity’, a new campaign from hygiene services company phs Group, supported by the Irish Cancer Society and the Irish Men’s Sheds Association.

The initiative aims to break the stigma surrounding male incontinence and improve access to hygiene facilities, such as sanitary bins and vending products, in men’s public toilets nationwide. New research released as part of the campaign reveals that a lack of suitable toilet facilities and low awareness about male urinary incontinence (UI) are having a serious impact on men’s mental health and daily lives.

According to the European Association of Urology, half of all men who undergo prostate removal go on to experience UI, underscoring the urgent need for better understanding and facilities across Ireland.

Of the 702 men surveyed as part of PHS study, more than half (52 per cent) feel anxious about going out in public due to a lack of suitable toilet facilities.

Almost two-thirds (65 per cent) have been negatively affected by not being able to find a toilet, and 14 per cent report feeling depressed about how their life has changed. Among younger men (18–34), depression rises to 24 per cent and anxiety is felt by 41 per cent. Over half (54 per cent) have struggled to find a bin suitable for disposing of incontinence pads, with nearly half (46 per cent) resorting to using disabled toilets or flushing products away (18 per cent). A further 72 per cent say public understanding of the condition remains poor.

“As a business, we’re very proud to shine a light on issues others shy away from and are deeply committed to breaking down barriers for men,” said Eoin Foley, managing director of phs Group Ireland.

“Through Dispose with Dignity we’re tackling the stigma around male incontinence head-on, raising much-needed awareness, and calling for solid measures that can give men back the independence and lives they once knew.”

Among those supporting the campaign is Gerry Connolly, 69, a semi-retired salesman from Donegal who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2013. With a job that takes him on the road a lot Gerry has to regularly use public washrooms.

“I had surgery to remove my prostate, and nobody really warned me what incontinence would be like afterwards. It was a shock. For months I would wet myself when I stood up, coughed or laughed. It was very frustrating and such unfamiliar territory. I felt embarrassed about it, even though I know I shouldn’t have. I used to make any excuse not to leave the house and I rarely left it for months. I think the lack of awareness about it is part of that - that nobody knows this can be a side-effect of prostate cancer surgery, and that’s hard.”

Gerry believes that access to bins in men’s cubicles would make life a whole lot easier. 

“If there’d been sanitary bins in men’s toilets, maybe I’d have felt I had options - somewhere private to change a pad and get on with my day. Even now, I still use a pad. Having a bin in the cubicle would make a huge difference. It’s about dignity, not shame.”

He hopes that visible facilities will also help raise awareness: “If people see bins for men, it’ll start conversations and remind more men to get tested early. That could save lives.”

“One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and life-saving treatment can often lead to lasting side effects such as urinary incontinence that can profoundly affect confidence, social life and wellbeing,” said Michelle Lonergan, Cancer Awareness Nurse, Irish Cancer Society.

“We urgently need greater awareness of the challenges men face and better facilities that support their dignity as they navigate life through and after cancer.”

Rebecca McLaughlin, National Health & Well Being lead at Irish Men's Sheds Association said: “We are happy to support the Dispose with Dignity campaign by reaching out to our network to consult and gather their opinions and experience on what is sometimes regarded as a stigma-heavy and challenging 'unmentionable' topic for many Men. We warmly welcome the collaboration with one of our long term partners the Irish Cancer Society and phs on what is an empathic, practical and sustainable solution.”

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