Grace launches prostate health awareness campaign
Comedian Brendan Grace has partnered with GSK Ireland to launch a public health awareness campaign aimed at men aged over 50, encouraging them to see their doctor if they visit the bathroom more than once during the night.
Regular trips to the bathroom during the night can be a key symptom of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a condition caused by enlarged prostate. Around 1 in 3 men will experience bothersome urinary symptoms related to BPH in their 60’s, which can impact normal daily activities and quality of life. BPH is a benign, non-life threatening condition but untreated BPH can lead to continued prostate growth and worsening of symptoms.
Richard Power, Consultant Urologist, commented: 'Enlarged prostates can affect bladder control and this can lead to anxiety, embarrassment and sleep deprivation for those affected. Despite experiencing symptoms, men typically wait for lengthy time periods before speaking to their doctor. There is a need to raise awareness about BPH, the symptoms and the fact that they are non life-threatening and treatable. It’s important that men suffering from these symptoms consult their doctor about the issue so that effective solutions can be explored and ultimately improve their quality of life.”
The comprehensive awareness campaign, which is being launched to coincide with Men’s Health Awareness Week, 15 – 22 June, and is fronted by Brendan Grace, involves communications to consumers, healthcare professionals and key target groups.
In addition to radio and online advertisements, bathroom posters and PR support, a dedicated website has also been created (www.morethanonceanight.ie). The website provides a one-stop-shop for members of the public seeking information relating to BPH, as well as a checklist, allowing men to discover if their symptoms are indicative of BPH, which can be printed off and brought to the doctor.
Brendan Grace said: “I’m delighted to be onboard with GSK to raise awareness of this condition which affects so many men. A lot of guys, myself included, can be a bit hesitant when it comes to visiting the doc, but I’ve learned over the years that it is so important to proactively manage your health. I’d encourage anyone who is visiting the bathroom more frequently to visit the morethanonceanight.ie website, complete the checklist and visit the GP – there’s no need to suffer in silence.”
Grainne Farrell (Insert title) Urology at GSK commented: “GSK has developed this campaign in response to feedback from healthcare professionals and the public highlighting a need for greater awareness in this area. We believe this campaign shines a light on an issue that is often not discussed and Men’s Health Week provides an excellent platform to get this issue into the public domain. We hope that it will encourage more men to visit their doctor to discuss this issue.”
People interested to find out more can visit www.morethanonceanight.ie