Movember are the leading charity changing the face of men’s health, raising awareness each November on the importance of seeking prompt advice on prostate and testicular cancer, and on mental health and suicide prevention. We recently posted a video of our own mo-bro’s and mo-sisters within our medical negligence team sporting their own moustaches in order to help to raise awareness.
The aims of charities Prostate Cancer UK and Movember, as well as the independent cancer care provider Genesis Care, during Men’s Health Awareness Month is to encourage men to seek help if they are worried that they may have prostate or testicular cancer.
The three groups hope to raise awareness of the importance of early diagnosis and the latest advancements in prostate cancer treatment options, to help men make informed treatment decisions.
By providing more information on innovative treatments and techniques, Genesis Care hope to support men in achieving the best possible outcome and maintain a good quality of life for as long as possible.
When looking at the statistics, more than one in ten men would delay seeing a doctor for prostate-related issues, as a third (32%) believe every prostate cancer diagnosis is terminal.
Clinical Oncologist, Dr Carla Perna, from Genesis Care, stated:
“There are many treatment options available to men who find themselves diagnosed with this disease. However, our research shows that 58% of men we surveyed, who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer, wish they had known more about how prostate cancer treatment can be personalised. It’s clear that there is still a lot of work to be done around ensuring men find a treatment path that is right for them.”
Other reasons men delay seeking medical advice include simply a fear of receiving a cancer diagnosis (40%).
One in three don't believe their symptoms are serious or disruptive enough to warrant a visit to a doctor, however if there are any concerns, the sooner you speak to your GP, and if necessary, get referred for further investigations, the better.
In a poll of 1,200 men over the age of 45, nearly half of those who have received treatment for prostate cancer say they wish they had known more about how the treatment could have been personalised to them, and that this is not limited to chemotherapy.
Laura Kerby, chief executive at Prostate Cancer UK, added:
“The research highlights that side effects of prostate cancer treatment are a concern to men, and discovering new ways to reduce them is a priority for investment in research. Recent advances have improved the situation, as have the likely outcomes, so it's important that men understand their treatment options and feel empowered to make a decision that’s right for them. Prostate cancer mainly affects men over 50, but the risk is higher for black men over 45, and men with a family history. We urge men to know their risk of the disease and not wait for signs and symptoms. Anyone with concerns can speak to their doctor or contact our specialist nurses.”
Our specialist medical negligence team act for patients who suffer a delay in diagnosis of cancer. By understanding the importance of a prompt diagnosis, it is essential during this awareness month that men do not delay seeking advice from their GP if they are worried that they may have prostate or testicular cancer.
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