The Clare-based founder of a prostate cancer support group claims he felt obligated to set up the forum due a lack of services for people with his condition in Ireland.
Ardnacrusha resident Tony Bridgeman founded ‘Prostate Cancer Support Group Ireland’, which now has over 70 members, in 2023.
About 4,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year in Ireland, meaning one in six will develop the illness during their lifetime.
The cancer comes about when the cells of the prostate gland grow in an abnormal way, thus forming a tumour.
While it can grow slowly in some men, it spreads more quickly in others and can go to other parts of the body, resulting in more severe effects.
After being diagnosed and finding the available supports inadequate, Tony Bridgeman, who lives in Ardnacrusha, established the Facebook group ‘Prostate Cancer Support Group Ireland’ in April 2023.
He says outside of the group, there’s no support network for men like him.
The group currently boasts 72 members and offers a space for men going through their prostate cancer journey to ask questions, discuss treatments and express fears or concerns.
Group administrator Pheilim Warren was diagnosed with prostate cancer when he was 57 and later found out that it had spread to his lymphnodes and pelvis.
He says it’s now his mission to make men changing their mindset regarding their health.
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