Photo by Ken Finegan/Newspics Photography, Mary Meade (2nd from left) representing NECRET, the North East Cancer Research and Education Trust receives a cheque for €8, 118 the proceeds of a Bike Run by Bikes and Trikes Ardee. Included are Brian Kerr, Larry Lenehan, Monica McEneaney, John Malone and Martin McAvinney
The team behind Ardee’s Bike & Trike Run has thanked local businesses and the wider community for their continued support of its prostate cancer research and treatment campaign.
Organisers particularly thanked John Malone of Carrick Road Service Station, along with businesses and people throughout Ardee who have backed the initiative.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of prostate cancer and encourage men to take their prostate health seriously and speak to their GP about testing where appropriate.
Using a motoring analogy familiar to those involved in the run, organisers said:
“Like our bikes and trikes, when the engine management light flashes, it’s time to see the professionals.
“Early diagnosis can save the ‘engine’ and we’ll share the road together once more.”
Encouraging men to speak to their GP
A PSA test is a blood test which measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood and can help doctors investigate possible prostate problems.
However, it is not a definitive test for prostate cancer. A raised PSA can have a number of causes, while some people with prostate cancer may have a normal PSA result.
There is currently no national prostate cancer screening programme in Ireland. The Irish Cancer Society recommends that men discuss their individual risk and whether they should have their prostate checked with their GP.
The Bike & Trike Run team hopes its campaign will encourage more conversations around prostate health while continuing to support prostate cancer research and treatment.
