The first national conference devoted solely to men's health opened in Wexford today.
It has been organised by the Department of Health and the South Eastern Health Board and is covering men's health in all ages and groups, with specific information on health issues relating to fathers, older men, farmers, Travellers and gay men.
The conference is discussing the findings of what is said to be the most extensive and comprehensive survey of its kind carried out in Ireland.
Key findings from interviews
570 men randomly selected from GP focus groups across the southeast in the past three years were interviewed.
Some of the key findings show that men tend not to be proactive about their health, with less than half knowing what was the function of the prostate gland.
Three out of four men aged 18 to 29 were not aware that young men were at highest risk of developing testicular cancer, while men in general go to their GPs reluctantly.
Regarding alcohol, half of those surveyed who consume over 50 units a week, which is more than twice the recommended maximum limit, consider themselves moderate drinkers.
