ULSTER GAA TO SUPPORT PROSTATE RESEARCH AT CCRCB THROUGHOUT 2019/20
07 May 2019
The President of Ulster GAA Oliver Galligan has committed the local Council to support Prostate Cancer research at Queen’s Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology (CCRCB) during this year.
Over 4,500 men in Ireland are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year. In the UK, prostate cancer deaths have exceeded breast cancer deaths for the first time, with over 11,000 men per year dying of aggressive forms of prostate cancer.
At present, 1 in 8 men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime, with an increased risk for those aged 50 or more (the majority of cases are diagnosed in men aged 65+) or with a family history of prostate cancer.
Ulster GAA will be ‘Supporting Prostate Cancer Research’ at the Ulster Championships in 2019, and throughout 2019-2020. The Ulster GAA President, Oliver Galligan, said: “I am delighted to choose prostate cancer research as Ulster GAA’s charitable cause for 2019.
“The reach of the GAA family will help to create greater awareness of the disease and help with early detection, while funds raised will go directly to world-class research being undertaken by Queen’s University Belfast.”
The prostate clinical research team at Queen’s comprises of a team of clinical research and NHS consultant oncologists, coupled with expert scientific research from CCRCB. The team’s ethos is to improve patient care through world-class clinical trials of new treatments. The Team is internationally renowned and has led the way in innovative trials which has improved treatment for many men, increased survival rates and reduced the side effects from treatment.
In addition to improving education for patients and healthcare workers, the team supervises research from medical students, scientists, physicists and clinical doctors to sustain a culture of ongoing excellence in prostate cancer research. The team is dedicated to ensuring that patients and their families have the best treatments at the correct time and that survival rates continue to improve.
Dr Aidan Cole from CCRCB at Queen’s said: “The prostate cancer research team at Queen’s is delighted to form this strategic partnership with the Ulster Council GAA to improve education, diagnosis and management of men diagnosed with prostate cancer in our communities.
“We are proud of our strong links with the GAA community and endeavour to provide our patients with the best treatments available and lead in clinical trials that can transform the treatment of prostate cancer in the future.”
Prostate cancer is often diagnosed when men present to their GP with urinary symptoms, such as getting up more frequently at night to urinate, having an inability to empty their bladder completely or going to the toilet more frequently, throughout the day. If you have concerns about yourself or a family member, please consult with your GP for further advice.
GAA clubs wishing to get involved in creating greater awareness of prostate cancer, or requiring support for fundraising efforts, should contact Maura McMenamin at Ulster GAA on tel: 028 375 17180.
To find out about supporting medical research at Queen’s visit the Development and Alumni Relations Office website or contact Teresa Sloan, Head of Health Fundraising, telephone +44 (0)28 9097 5394. Medical queries arising out of this news story should be raised directly with a GP/consultant and not with DARO staff.
General enquiries about this news story can be directed to Gerry Power, Communications Officer, Development and Alumni Relations Office at Queen’s; tel: +44 (0)28 9097 5321.
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