Fine Gael TD Neale Richmond is working with the Marie Keating Foundation to raise awareness of prostate cancer and to break the stigma that men can experience when speaking about their health.
Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer in Ireland, with over 3,350 men diagnosed every year.
If prostate cancer is detected early, the vast majority are able to make a complete recovery.
The subject remains taboo and many hesitate to discuss it with their GP or even a close relative or friend.
But many men do not show any symptoms of the disease.
With that in mind, any man over 50 is encouraged to speak with their doctor about it.
Mr Richmond previously took part in the Marie Keating Foundation’s ‘Stand up for your Prostate’ campaign, which aimed to help men feel comfortable about discussing their health with friends and relatives, and to get checked regularly.
He is now lending his support to the foundation’s Blue September campaign, which raises awareness around prostate cancer and funding for research and services.
Today Mr Richmond said: “Unfortunately, like many, my family has been touched by this terrible disease.
“Men often do not talk openly about our health - n fact, three-quarters of men claim they have never had a conversation with a close male relative or friend about their prostate health.
“Given that you are 2.5 times more likely to develop prostate cancer if a close relative has had it, this is concerning.”
Mr Richmond, who has written to all his Oireachtas colleagues about this matter, added: “If we take the lead to talk about our health with our brothers, fathers, children and friends, together we can bring about change, one conversation at a time.”
