Male Cancer Awareness Week Starts Today

Awareness of male cancer is still low

In the UK, over 55,000 men are diagnosed with prostate, penile or testicular cancer every year. But unfortunately, the level of general awareness around these diseases is still relatively low.

Too often, the symptoms of male cancer are missed simply because of a lack of information. A lot of men are unsure of the signs to look out for, which can unfortunately allow time for cancer to develop or spread.

There is also research that suggests men are less likely than women to see a doctor for health issues that are more intimate. The health app MyGP conducted a survey that found 23% of men were reluctant to go to the doctors due to embarrassment or awkwardness.

This is why Orchid – the UK’s leading charity dedicated to male cancers – set up Male Cancer Awareness Week, to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around cancers affecting men.

Addressing male cancer in older men

Prostate cancer and penile cancer are both known to affect older men. According to Cancer Research, only 3% of new penile cancer cases affect men under 40. And 35% of prostate cancer diagnoses involve men over 75 each year.

But less is known about how testicular cancer impacts on older men. This type of cancer will typically be diagnosed in someone who is younger, but it’s not impossible for those who are older to get it.

Orchid’s recent campaign ‘Older Men Get Testicular Cancer Too’ highlighted the need for men to continue self-exams even as they get older. They set out the symptoms to look out for and what to do if something is wrong.

You can find out more about this campaign on Orchid’s website.

Small changes to increase male cancer awareness

This year, Orchid are launching the Small Change, Big Difference campaign. They’re asking people to make a difference by raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of penile, testicular and prostate cancer.

To get involved, you could arrange a fundraising event at work or host a raffle in your local community. If you’re not sure where to start, Orchid have posted some more ideas for awareness events on their website.

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