A DUNMANWAY businessman who was treated for prostate cancer wants to raise awareness and raise funds for Aid Cancer Treatment at Cork University Hospital.

Andrew Healy of SuperValu in Dunmanway hosted a sponsored golf drive titled ‘My Drive to Aid Cancer Treatment’ in Bandon Golf Club last Sunday to raise awareness around the topic of prostate cancer. 

He has also organised a Coffee Morning which will took place at his supermarket on Friday April 10th from 10am to 2pm and has also set up a GoFundMe page for the charity.

At the age of 50 he made a conscious decision to get his bloods checked annually and unfortunately two years ago the blood test showed elevated levels of PSA, which is a blood test to screen for prostate cancer.

‘I went in and met the consultant and he explained things to me. We did a few tests and we opted for active surveillance just to keep an eye on it. Six months later and the PSA level was up again. A month later I had a biopsy and I was with the doctor for results,’ said Andrew.

‘I was sitting there thinking ‘I’ve no symptoms, this will be fine’ and then a few minutes later I was told I have prostate cancer.’

He added that approximately one in six men in Ireland will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

‘The treatments if it’s caught on time are fantastic but 500 men on average in Ireland die from prostate cancer per year. The message from my experienced here is don’t be reactive, be proactive and get your bloods done annually. It literally could save your life for a very quick blood test,’  he added.

Andrew received his radiotherapy at the treatment centre at the Glandore Centre in CUH, where despite its daunting nature, he had a positive experience.

He said the volunteers were emphatic, professional and highly encouraging throughout his whole journey, an experience that highlighted for him the importance of giving back to the volunteer-led charity.

Aid Cancer Treatment is an entirely volunteer-led charity that has been supporting patients and families throughout their cancer journey across Munster since 1993.

Andrew felt compelled to give back to the charity having received 20 treatments at the Glandore Centre in CUH.

The dual purpose of his event is to fundraise for the charity and to raise awareness for men, particularly over the age of 50, to keep track of their healthy and promote a proactive approach to any symptoms.

See ‘My Drive for Prostate Cancer Awareness’ on GoFundMe.