It’s World Cancer Day – and in Ireland, prostate cancer survival isn’t equal

This World Cancer Day, we’re shining a light on a tough but vital truth. In Ireland, where you live can directly affect your chances of surviving prostate cancer.

Men living in rural areas or communities experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage are significantly less likely to survive prostate cancer than those living in more affluent parts of the country. Factors like postcode, income and access to local services are shaping who gets diagnosed early, who receives timely treatment, and ultimately, who survives.

These differences aren’t about biology. They’re about inequality.

Men in communities with fewer health and social resources are more likely to be diagnosed later, face longer waits for care, and experience greater barriers to accessing high-quality treatment and support. And yet, these are factors no man can control, and no man should be penalised for.

Here’s what we’re doing about it

On World Cancer Day, Movember is highlighting both the problem and the progress being made to close this gap.

As part of our commitment to fairer cancer outcomes, Movember is funding and supporting ground-breaking research at the University of Limerick. The project focuses on understanding the prostate cancer experiences of men aged over 60 living in rural communities and areas experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage across Ireland’s Mid-West.

Crucially, this research centres the voices of men who have historically been underrepresented in cancer studies. By combining first-hand experiences with national health data, researchers are identifying where the health system is falling short and what needs to change to ensure earlier diagnosis, better access to care and improved outcomes.

The findings will help inform more equitable health policy in Ireland, improve access to services, and contribute to closing prostate cancer gaps not just nationally, but globally.

Karen Robb, Director of Cancer Program Implementation at Movember Europe, explains:

“For too long, prostate cancer outcomes have been influenced by factors that have nothing to do with biology and everything to do with inequality. Where a man lives or how easily he can access services should never determine whether he survives cancer, but too often, they do.”

This work is only possible because of you

Movember’s investment in prostate cancer spans prevention, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship, with a growing focus on tackling the social and structural barriers that lead to poorer outcomes for men.

Research like this is helping build a future where every man, regardless of background or postcode, has an equal chance of surviving prostate cancer.

And for the millions of people who have supported Movember over the years, this life-changing work is only possible because of you.

*NCRI