Millions of men across the UK don’t understand their cancer risk and could be missing out on life-saving checks. This comes as new research from Bupa reveals two in five (41%) men don’t know if they’re more likely to develop cancer. Nearly half (44%) of men aren’t aware that a family history of cancer can increase their risk, while two thirds (66%) don’t know that someone’s ethnicity or genes can increase their likelihood of developing cancer.
A quarter of men (25%) are not confident when it comes to knowing their family health history and a third (36%) of men find it difficult to reach out to their loved ones about cancer2.
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 for Black men this risk doubles to one in four3. Similarly, if your father or brother has had prostate cancer, then you are two and a half times more likely to develop it as well.
Dr Tim Woodman, Medical Director for Cancer Services at Bupa said: “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.”
Almost four in ten (39%) men lack the confidence to identify symptoms that might indicate cancer, creating a barrier against early detection and successful treatment. Positively, a third (34%) of men would get checked for cancer if they felt a change in their body, but for some cancers, including prostate cancer, many won’t experience any symptoms until the cancer is at a later stage and much more difficult to treat. That is why it is vital men know not to wait for symptoms, and proactively get to know their risk and speak to their GP if they are at higher risk.
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 (65%) men shying away from getting tested for prostate cancer and one in 10 (11%) embarrassed about an intimate exam.
Dr Tim Woodman, Medical Director for Cancer Services at Bupa said: “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.”
Knowing your risk can be lifesaving. For this, 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.
Nick Ridgman, Head of Support Services at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “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.”
Alec Wightman (70, Stockport, Manchester) was diagnosed with stage 3 prostate cancer at the age of 63. He had hormone treatment and radiotherapy, and experienced a range of difficult side effects, so is determined to raise awareness and help more men with prostate cancer get diagnosed earlier. He said: “I’ve had a difficult journey with prostate cancer and my treatment, but I speak up because it doesn’t have to be this way for other men. The earlier you find it, the easier it is to treat.
“I wish I had known more about prostate cancer in my younger years, because then I wouldn’t have waited for symptoms before speaking to my doctor. It’s the most common cancer in men, but we don’t talk about it, which is why I am open with my family, friends and anyone who will listen to help spread lifesaving awareness. I’m proud to be working with Prostate Cancer UK and Bupa to help more men understand their risk, what they can choose to do about it, and the support they can get throughout diagnosis and treatment. You are not alone!”
Check your Prostate Cancer risk
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