Movember boost for Limerick hospital's effort to help older prostate cancer patients in rural areas

LIMERICK Cancer Trials (LCT) at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) is the sole Irish recipient of a prestigious global Movember grant to lead a pioneering research project focused on improving prostate cancer care for older men living in rural areas of the Mid-West.

Led by Dr Niamh Peters, Consultant Medical Oncologist, and Dr Patrick O'Donnell and Professor Rose Galvin, experts in social inclusion and aging health research, the project aims to develop an evidence-based, patient-informed care pathway that addresses the unmet needs of this often-overlooked group. The initiative aims to help close equity gaps in prostate cancer care by better understanding the challenges faced by older men in rural communities.

Dr Peters said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this prestigious grant from the Movember charity. Older men living in rural areas with prostate cancer experience poorer outcomes compared to those in urban settings, yet the reasons for this disparity remain unclear. This project will play a pivotal role in deepening our understanding of the lived experiences of older men with prostate cancer in rural communities, helping us to address unmet care needs locally and to help shape national cancer policies for the future.”

Movember is a global movement and annual campaign working to raise awareness of and funds for men’s health issues, particularly prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health and suicide prevention.

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The Movember grant reflects LCT’s broader commitment to equity in cancer care. In 2023, under the leadership of Prof Clifford, LCT was awarded funding from the Health Research Board (HRB) to expand access to clinical trials across the Mid-West.

Prof Clifford said: “Equity in cancer care is a cornerstone of our work. Securing this Movember grant represents an important advancement in addressing the unique challenges faced by older men living in rural communities in the Mid-West. Through patient engagement and evidence-based research, we aim to remove barriers and ensure that every individual has access to the highest standard of care and clinical research opportunities.”

A key focus of the LCT strategy is tackling cancer inequalities and social deprivation, with dedicated research efforts aimed at improving representation of marginalised and underserved communities, including older adults and rural populations.

Patients remain central to LCT’s research. A dedicated public and patient involvement panel informs study design and delivery, ensuring that lived experience guides every step. LCT also collaborates closely with the University of Limerick and the Limerick Digital Cancer Research Centre, and has established disease-specific subgroups with clinical and academic leads to support a multidisciplinary, inclusive approach to cancer research.

This Movember-supported project exemplifies LCT’s mission to raise the standard for equitable cancer care, ensuring that all patients, regardless of their age, location, or socioeconomic background, have access to the support and treatment they need.