Kildare: Local TD urges men to get checked for prostate cancer

Ceann Comhairle and local TD Seán Ó Fearghaíl, who has recently recovered from prostate cancer, has urged men to undergo regular blood tests to check for the condition.

The Fianna Fáil TD (62) told the Leader that his doctor had first signaled a potential problem with his prostate in 2021 but it took him a full year again for to get it properly checked out.

He is now urging all men to take the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test which helps to detect prostate cancer.

He said: “A lot of us fellas have the same attitude with going to the doctor - you don't go unless something is really bothering you.

“But a PSA test is a painless routine test and it can really save you a lot of pain down the line. The older you get the greater the risk with prostate cancer.”

The TD also said he has not decided yet if he will allow himself to be automatically returned to the Dáil as a sitting Ceann Comhairle at the next general election.

Mr Ó Fearghaíl had robotic radical prostatectomy surgery in September which typically takes two or three hours under a general anaesthetic.

He said: “The surgery is major and is quite traumatic so it takes time for your body and mind to recover.

“It’s only in the last two or three weeks that I’ve really begun to feel like myself again. My consultant actually said that it can take up to 18 months to fully recover.

“About 20% of the gland was cancerous but I was back for a checkup recently and I was told that the cancer is completely gone now, so that’s great news and I’m very fortunate.”

And although he admitted that he was back answering emails within a few days of the surgery, he is taking his time in fully resuming his duties in the Ceann Comhairle’s seat in the Dáil chamber.

The TD told the Leader: “I was told to take up to three months off work, but I felt well enough to go back to the Dáil about six week afterwards.

“However I’m only doing short stints in the chair these days to gradually build up my hours.”

Lifestyle

He added that he is making small changes to his lifestyle by taking more exercise and eating more healthily.

“My job is no more stressful that anybody else’s job. But it’s a very sedentary job and you’re sitting down for long periods in the Dáil chamber or in Committees of the House meetings.

“You’re also meeting visiting delegations and diplomats so it can be difficult to get out of the building and get a walk in the fresh air.

“Our health really is so important and we need to look after it.”

The TD also said he has not decided yet if he will allow himself to be automatically returned to the Dáil as a sitting Ceann Comhairle.

“I will discuss it with my wife and some of my supporters and make a decision.

“But I have decided I won't be putting my name forward as the next Ceann Comhairle if I decide to return.

“I have been very privileged to serve two terms - I was first elected in 2016 and re-elected again in 2020 with a significant vote.”