Most men ‘do not monitor health’
Three out of five British men aged 45 and over say they do not monitor their health and only see the doctor when absolutely necessary, a poll shows.
Around 42% agree they should have health check-ups but admit they never do anything about it.
The findings come from an online survey of 2,000 people to mark the start of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.
Owen Sharp, chief executive of the charity Prostate Cancer UK, said: “It’s very worrying that the majority of men seem not to be looking after their health. Prostate cancer kills 10,000 men every year, and often there are no symptoms. And when there are signs of a prostate problem, some men still put off going to see their doctor.
“We would urge men across the UK to find out more about the disease and talk to their GP if they have any concerns about their prostate. They can also speak to our specialist nurses for expert information and support, by calling the charity’s helpline.”
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is being organised jointly by the charity and Marks & Spencer.
The store is donating 10% of its Autograph men’s underwear sales to support the charity’s specialist nurse-led helpline.
Mr Sharp added: “We all have a role a play in the fight against prostate cancer. On the first day of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we must wake up to this disease and stand up for men as a nation. We must mobilise everyone against this disease, the most common cancer in men which over 250,000 UK men are living with right now.
”Whether we are male or female, we can all make a difference by encouraging the men in our lives to be aware that they have a prostate and when they might want to see a GP with any concerns. It’s critical that we start making a difference today.”
Scott Fyfe, director of menswear at Marks & Spencer, said: “As scary as the words prostate cancer may be, we hope that by partnering with Prostate Cancer UK for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we can get the whole nation to take a moment and find out more about this disease and how they can fight it.”
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Gail McCann
Reply →My husband kept on ignoring all the signs and by the time he saw the doctor, it was too late. He was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer in March 2008 and was given five years or so. He died just over one year ago in January 2012 aged 56 years old - way too young to die. I would tell any man that if they suspect they may have prostate problems or have ANY problems at all, go to see your GP straight away as it doesn't need to be a death sentence. A lot can be done if its caught early enough. My husband first had problems peeing but he thought it was just because he was getting older. Then he had problems getting an erection but ignored that too. I am stating these things because if it can help just one person to go and get help, then it will have been worth it. I understand that many men hate the thought of having a finger put up their bottom, but surely it's best to suffer that one time for a few seconds than to suffer with cancer later on! Watching my husband die was the worst experience of my life so please, don't let your wife or partner have to suffer this too. Thanks.
Silverhairs
Reply →Gail, thank you so much for sharing your painful experience with Silverhairs.
Kevan Brighting
Reply →The video is disingenuous. The symptoms mentioned are more likely to be as a result of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (an enlarged prostate) - something that affects 8 out of 10 men by age 70. BPH is not life threatening, but I would encourage all men to have their prostate health checked on a regular basis over age 60. Better safe than sorry. Prostate cancer is often a silent killer.
Rick Redner
Reply →I discovered I had prostate cancer at age 58 when I went for a routine prescription refill. The Dr insisted on performing a rectal exam and felt a "suspicious lump" which turned out to be cancer. I chose robotic surgery. My wife and I discovered we were not adequately prepared emotionally, relationally & sexually for life without a prostate. I suffered, my wife suffered, and our marriage suffered. In order to help other couples we did two things: 1. We set up a pre surgery support forum: http://presurgery.freeforums.net/index.cgi A post surgery support forum: http://postsurgery.freeforums.net/index.cgi? & 2. We wrote a book titled "I Left My Prostate in San Francisco-Where's Yours? Coping With The Emotional, Relational, Sexual & Spiritual Aspects of Prostate Cancer Available in soft cover at Barnes & Noble or Amazon. Also available at Kindle & itunes for $2.99 http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/i-left-my-prostate-in-san-francisco-wheres-yours-rick-and-brenda-redner/1114216951?ean=9781449779610 https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/i-left-my-prostate-in-san/id598550157?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4 I hope these resources will help both men and couples coping with prostate cancer. Rick Redner