Men are sometimes reluctant to speak about health matters, and that’s actually true in keeping with recent research by GenesisCare, which reveals that just about half (49%) of fathers admit they keep away from talking about men’s health issues with their sons – because they don’t need to scare them (19%).
Yet, it’s estimated that between 3 and 10 in every 100 cancers within the UK are related to an inherited gene. Men have a one in two probability of being diagnosed with cancer of their lifetime, with prostate cancer being essentially the most common cancer for men. In truth, if a father – or brother – has it, then their son(s) are two and a half times more more likely to receive a diagnosis.
Almost two-thirds (65%) of fathers want their sons to be more confident speaking about health than they’re – with 70% wishing health chats may very well be as commonplace as talking about sports, as one in three dads say they wouldn’t know start a sensitive health conversation.
Not having enough knowledge (20%), being unable to search out the fitting time and place (17%) and never wanting to cause distress (16%) are the fundamental reasons British fathers don’t seek advice from their sons specifically about men’s cancer. Surprisingly, 5% even consider it’s unlucky to bring up the topic of cancer.
So, GenesisCare, the UK’s leading independent cancer care provider, is appealing to all fathers to ‘Break the Silence’ around men’s health and cancer this Father’s Day (18 June) – particularly in the event that they know there may be enhanced genetic risk of their family. It’s because early diagnosis and the newest advances in cancer treatments may help minimise negative effects and improve outcomes and quality of life.
While multiple in six (18%) British fathers find it uncomfortable to debate checking for men’s cancer with their sons usually, the bulk (87%) consider it is important for his or her sons to know they will seek advice from them about it.
Health issues might be taboo, especially with men, as our ‘Break the Silence’ research shows. Cancer might be difficult to debate, and plenty of men fear the impact a cancer diagnosis can have on their lives and the lives of their family members. This Father’s Day, we would like dads to take the time to have a conversation with their sons about any risks – particularly those which may be hereditary. By fostering open dialogue, encouraging early detection, and highlighting the available modern treatment options, we hope to enhance outcomes and help more men live healthy, fulfilling lives.
Geoff Seymour, a 65-year-old man, was successfully treated for prostate cancer with radiotherapy on our modern MRIdian in only five days. In lower than every week, he returned to his normal life; showing the outstanding value of early diagnosis and treatment. Since Geoff’s father died consequently of prostate cancer, Geoff had been getting his GP to observe his PSA levels (Prostate Specific Antigen) usually. The minute a change was detected, they booked him in for treatment. This awareness and quick response were key in his recovery.”
Dr Prantik Das, Clinical Oncologist, GenesisCare.
It shouldn’t take a life-changing disease to encourage men to have a life-saving conversation. Having witnessed my father’s radiotherapy experience, I wasn’t keen on the route. Given these fears, my consultant oncologist, Dr Prantik Das, told me a couple of ground-breaking radiotherapy treatment available through GenesisCare using MRIdian technology. Over just 5 consecutive days, I used to be fully treated with only 40 minutes of radiotherapy every day.
The death of my father encouraged me to think about my very own genetic health risks and, in turn, that of my sons, who’re 36 and 40 now. It wasn’t something I had ever discussed with them – but knowing that it could save their lives, you bet I discovered a strategy to bring it up. It was awkward at first, but now we check in now and again pretty easily. I might encourage all men to recover from their fears, take the day trip and just ask the query.”
Geoff Seymour.
Most respondents (86%) agree that it is important for his or her sons to know in the event that they have an increased risk of hereditary cancer, to make sure they’re aware of the event of any signs and symptoms. Of those surveyed, 69% would consider genetic testing if a member of the family was diagnosed with cancer.
Greater than three in 4 (79%) British fathers would love to learn more concerning the signs and symptoms of men’s cancers to supply more guidance to their sons during conversations, while 69% want to higher understand the newest cancer treatment options available. 4 in five (82%) agree that the knowledge would make them feel more equipped with a self-diagnosis or a family diagnosis.
Starting the conversation:
Recognising that not everyone finds it easy to initiate conversations around men’s health, GenesisCare offers these conversation starting points:
- Start with empathy: Approach the conversation with real care and understanding, emphasising that you would like to support your son’s overall well-being.
- Select the fitting moment: Find a snug and relaxed setting where each you and your son can talk openly without distractions.
- Encourage questions: Create a secure space to your son to ask any questions he can have. Assure him that no doubt is off-limits or embarrassing.
- Connect the family dots: Foster open dialogue about family cancers, especially as prostate cancer affects greater than 52,000 men every year, and around 5-9% are related to inherited aspects. Don’t postpone exploring your hereditary medical history and acknowledging any potential risks, as it will help determine essentially the most effective approach.
- Use relatable examples: Share stories or examples from individuals who’ve overcome health challenges to talking about the way you conduct your personal well-man check-ups and where to start out, to stress the importance of early detection and prevention.
- Provide reliable resources: Equip your son with trusted sources of data, comparable to educational web sites or reputable organisations, to encourage further exploration and understanding.
GenesisCare offers a spread of modern cancer treatments for prostate cancer, including precision MRI-guided radiotherapy and Theranostics. These treatments goal cancer cells while minimising damage to healthy tissues, reducing negative effects and improving patient outcomes.
For more information on the modern cancer treatments available at GenesisCare, please visit https://www.genesiscare.com/5dayprostat