A new campaign aims to ‘Get Men Talking' about cancer.

‘Get Men Talking' has been launched by the Marie Keating Foundation and it aims to reduce men's risk of developing cancer by following some simple steps.

"Everyone has a fear of cancer. It is important for all men to understand that we ourselves need to take responsibility for our own health. If we change our lifestyle by increasing our exercise participation, eating a healthy diet and avoiding exposure to known high-risk activities, we can reduce our risk of developing cancer and many other chronic illnesses," commented Dr Noel McCaffrey, an expert in preventive medicine at Dublin City University.

According to the foundation's CEO, Liz Yeates, people are constantly hearing ‘confusing messages' about what will keep them healthy. However, she noted that there are simple, straightforward things that men can do to reduce their risk of cancer by as much as 40%.

"Men are more likely to get cancer but they can start to change this by taking small steps, many of which will also help to protect against other health problems like diabetes, stroke and heart disease," she said.

The campaign offers the following simple tips to men:
-Check your testicles once a month while in the bath or shower. They should feel smooth with no lumps, hardness or swelling
-Speak to your GP about prostate cancer if you are over the age of 50 and have risk factors such as a family history or a diet high in fat.
-Don't smoke
-Maintain a healthy weight
-Exercise for 30 minutes each day
-Limit alcohol intake
-Always use sunscreen and never use sunbeds
-Eat less processed meats
-Deal with stress
-Avoid pollutants, such as cancer-causing chemicals in the workplace.

The ‘Get Men Talking' campaign will also run a number of seminars nationwide during November. The seminars are free of charge but registration is necessary. They will take place in:

-Letterkenny - Gallagher's Hotel on November 24 from 6-8.30pm
-Limerick - The Strand Hotel on November 25 from 6-8.30pm
-Dublin - Croke Park on November 26 from 6-8.30pm
-Waterford - Granville Hotel on November 26 from 6-8.30pm

For more information on how to register, click here