AN innovative new lifestyle project which aims to improve the health outcomes of men who have low risk prostate cancer has been launched by a Northern Ireland cancer charity.
ManPowered, which is being spearheaded by Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, plans to help the more than 1,000 men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in men in Northern Ireland with approximately 250 dying every year.
Prostate cancer is a common but often slow growing cancer usually affecting men over the age of 40.
ManPowered will start in the greater Belfast area and later in the Western, Southern and South Eastern Trust areas.
One of the first men to sign up is William McMullan (77), from Belfast's Shankill area.
"I do take regular exercise and eat well but it would be great to find out more information on how I can take further steps to remain healthy,” he said.
The charity is offering the project to men who are having their prostate monitored by their GP (ie they are under active surveillance).
The activities on offer will be tailored to men’s needs and interests. They include a range of physical activities, cookery classes as part of a healthy eating regime, health checks, lifestyle goals, music and social activities to improve social connections and mental health.
The year-long project is being funded by the Burdett Trust for Nursing and will run throughout 2017.
“Research shows that a better lifestyle can improve overall health, may reduce the risk of prostate cancer progression and improve outcomes if treatment is required in future," Maresa McGettigan, health promotion officer, Cancer Focus NI, said.
“We wanted to find a new way to support these men to lead healthier lives, both emotionally and physically, and we aim to do this by encouraging them to take part in preventative wellbeing activities.
“This is a very innovative project and we hope that men will come along and give it a go.”
:: For more information contact Maresa McGettigan on 028 9068 0743 or email maresamcgettigan@cancerfocusni.org or call the Cancer Focus NI information and support Nurseline on 0800 783 3339.
