A survey of prostate cancer survivors has found that over half said they suffered worse side-effects than they expected.
The Irish Cancer Society commissioned the survey, which involved 200 men.
Almost half said they were unprepared for the emotional toll of prostate cancer; 31% said they did not receive support from a specialist nurse to deal with side-effects.
Across all the pre-diagnosis, pre-treatment and post-treatment stages, men reported a desire for more information and support.
The survey was conducted by Millward Brown Lansdowne.
The HSE's National Cancer Control Programme said many of the patients surveyed were treated a number of years ago and it would not reflect the comprehensive service now have available across the country.
Dr Susan O'Reilly, Director of the NCCP, said rapid access prostate cancer clinics have been established in designated cancer centres across the country over the past two years.
