Two in five or 41 per cent men don’t know if they’re more likely to develop cancer and could be missing out on life-saving checks, according to new research from Bupa.
According to the research, nearly half or 44 per get of men aren’t aware that a family history of cancer can increase their risk, while two thirds or 66 per cent don’t know that someone’s ethnicity or genes can increase their likelihood of developing cancer.
Meanwhile, a quarter of men or 25 per cent are not confident when it comes to knowing their family health history and a third or 36 per cent of men find it difficult to reach out to their loved ones about cancer.
Bupa notes that prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and recently became the most common cancer in England. One in eight men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime and with the risk doubling to one in four for Black men.
Almost four in ten or 39 per cent men lack the confidence to identify symptoms that might indicate cancer, creating a barrier against early detection and successful treatment.
Around 34 per cent of men would get checked for cancer if they felt a change in their body. But some cancers, like prostate cancer, don’t result in any symptoms until it’s at a later stage and more difficult to treat.
Bupa says the first step in testing for prostate cancer is a quick and simple PSA blood test, yet many fear the test is intrusive, resulting in two out of three or 65 per cent men shying away from getting tested for prostate cancer and one in 10 or 11 per cent embarrassed about an intimate exam.
Bupa and Prostate Cancer UK has today launched a new partnership to empower men to navigate their risk and to support those with a diagnosis through their cancer journey.
Bupa medical director for cancer services Dr Tim Woodman says: “Given the prevalence of prostate cancer, it’s crucial people understand their personal risk. Many men with early-stage prostate cancer show no symptoms, which makes awareness even more important. Knowing your family’s history of cancer and understanding the influence of your age and ethnicity can help you take proactive steps, like getting screened early and accessing timely treatment if it’s needed.
“Men are concerned about prostate cancer, but don’t take action until they have to. Prostate cancer is one of the most treatable cancers when caught early, and the earlier the diagnosis, the less disruptive the treatment tends to be. I’d encourage anyone who’s worried, or at higher risk of developing prostate cancer, to get checked.”
Prostate Cancer UK head of support services Nick Ridgman says: “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, and it’s curable if found early. But it’s also the most common cancer without a screening programme, and so right now the responsibility to know your risk and speak to a GP rest entirely on men’s shoulders.
“We need men to know their risk, which increases if they’re over 50 and if they’re Black or have a family history of the disease, and to speak to their GP about testing if they are at risk. We’ve developed a simple online tool to help, so men can check their risk online in 30 seconds by visiting our website or searching ‘check my risk’ today. Through our partnership with Bupa, we aim to get more men a lifesaving early diagnosis and to provide vital advice and support for men going through diagnosis and treatment.”
