A consultant urologist has called ton the Department of Health to introduce a pilot screening scheme "for prostate cancer to increase the detection rate.
Prof John Fitzpatrick said it was the second most common cause of cancer death in men, and its incidence was increasing.
It was usually diagnosed too late for effective treatment, but could be successfully treated if caught early.
He was speaking at the launch of a support group for men with prostate and testicular cancer called MAC - men against cancer - at the headquarters of the Irish Cancer Society in Dublin.
"There are screening programmes for prostate cancer in most of the developed countries of the world," he said. Most of these had been set up as a result of public pressure.
"In Ireland there is very little awareness of men's cancers," he said. "Hopefully, the new men's cancer support group will help to change the situation." All members of the group have themselves been treated for men's cancers.
Funding for the group has been provided from the Irish Cancer Society's daffodil fund. Daffodil Day the national collection day for cancer, is tomorrow week.