Men have a 50% chance of receiving a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, with up to one in ten cancers being inherited genetically – and yet nearly half of dads avoid sensitive health conversations with their sons, research has found.
NHS figures have revealed that between 3-10% of cancers in the UK are linked to an inherited faulty gene.
But a third of UK fathers admit they wouldn't know how to strike up a conversation with their sons about men's health issues, while one in five would not want to scare them.
A further fifth feel they don't have enough knowledge about the subject, while 17% find it an awkward or uncomfortable issue to bring up.
But two-thirds (65%), of the 2,009 dads polled, who are over the age of 33, with sons older than 18, wish their offspring could be more confident than they currently are when it comes to discussing men's health.
And seven in ten wish health chats could be as commonplace as talking about sport.
Other reasons for dodging family conversations about men's cancer include not wanting to cause distress (16%), and never having found the right “time and place” (17%).
But with Father's Day coming up this weekend, leading independent cancer care provider, GenesisCare, has urged fathers to break the taboo, and start a discussion about men's health issues – especially cancer.
Dr Prantik Das, clinical oncologist at GenesisCare, which commissioned the research, said: “Health issues can be a taboo, especially with men, as our “Break the Silence” research shows.
“Cancer can be difficult to discuss, and many men fear the impact a cancer diagnosis may have on their lives and the lives of their loved ones.
“This Father’s Day, we want dads to take the time to have a conversation with their sons about any risks – particularly those that may be hereditary.
“By fostering open dialogue, encouraging early detection, and highlighting the available innovative treatment options, we hope to improve outcomes, and help more men live healthy, fulfilling lives.”
It also emerged that while more than one in six (18%) dads find it uncomfortable to discuss checking for men’s cancer with their sons regularly, the majority (87%) believe it's important for their offspring to know they can talk to them about it.
Nearly nine in ten (86%) agree it's important for their sons to know if they have an increased risk of hereditary cancer, to ensure they are aware of the development of any signs and symptoms.
Of those surveyed, seven in ten (69%) would consider genetic testing if a family member was diagnosed with cancer.
More than three-quarters (79%) would like to learn more about the signs and symptoms of men’s cancer, to provide more guidance to their sons during conversations.
And 69% want to better understand the latest cancer treatment options available.
Four in five (82%) agree that the knowledge would make them feel more equipped with a self-diagnosis or a family diagnosis.
Geoff Seymour, a 65-year-old dad of two sons, was successfully treated using MRIdian MR Linac in just five days.
In less than a week, he returned to his normal life – showing the value of early diagnosis and treatment.
Since Geoff’s father died as a result of prostate cancer, he had been getting his GP to monitor his Prostate Specific Antigen levels regularly.
The minute a change was detected, they booked him in for treatment – and this awareness and quick response were key in his recovery.
Geoff said: “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, Dr Prantik Das told me about a ground-breaking radiotherapy treatment available through GenesisCare, using MRIdian technology.
“Over just five consecutive days, I was fully treated with only 40 minutes of radiotherapy each day.
“The death of my father encouraged me to consider my own genetic health risks and, in turn, that of my sons, who are 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 found a way to bring it up.
“It was awkward at first, but now we check in every now and then pretty easily. I would encourage all men to get over their fears, take the time out, and just ask the question.”
Recognising that not everyone finds it easy to initiate conversations around men’s health, the independent cancer provider offers advice on where to start.
GenesisCare offers a range of innovative cancer treatments, including precision MRI-guided radiotherapy, and Theranostics.
For more information on the signs and symptoms of cancer, and innovative cancer treatments available, please visit here.
GENESISCARE’S CONVERSATION STARTING POINTS:
- Start with empathy: Approach the conversation with genuine care and understanding, emphasising that you want to support your son's overall well-being.
- Choose the right moment: Find a comfortable and relaxed setting where both you and your son can talk openly without distractions.
- Encourage questions: Create a safe space for your son to ask any questions he may have. Assure him that no question is off-limits or embarrassing.
- Connect the family dots: Foster open dialogue, explore your hereditary medical history, and acknowledge any potential risks, as this will help you determine the most effective approach.
- Use relatable examples: Share stories or examples from individuals who have overcome health challenges, and discuss well-man check-ups to emphasise the importance of early detection and prevention.
- Provide reliable resources: Equip your son with trusted sources of information, such as educational websites or reputable organisations, to encourage further exploration and understanding.
