Men not taking heed of health advice, warns Cancer Society

IRISHMEN still are not taking heed of health advice and do not know the cancers from which they are most at risk, according to a survey published yesterday.

The survey of 600 men, carried out by the Irish Cancer Society, found that just over a quarter of all men went to their GPs for regular check-ups.

It found that despite health awareness campaigns Irishmen are no better informed now than two years ago and that the number of qualified urologists in Ireland was far too low for the predicted rise in cancer levels.

The research also revealed that less than half of all men know that prostate cancer is the most common male cancer and that less than a third recognised that bowel cancer was a common male illness.

The research was conducted as part of Men’s Cancer Action Week, which began yesterday.

Professor John Armstrong, Consultant Radiation Oncologist at St Luke’s Hospital and chairman of the Irish Cancer Society, said men need to realise that early detection is crucial in the treatment of cancer.

“Risk factors for the development of the common cancers in men are age, smoking, having a family history — especially in bowel and prostate cancer, eating a diet which is high in fat and low in fruit, vegetables and fibre, lack of physical activity, obesity, and alcohol,” he said.

“They should also discuss their family history of cancer with their GP who will advise on screening.

“If men become aware of any symptoms that might be related to cancer they should discuss these with their GP without delay,” Prof Armstrong said.

“Early detection of cancer gives the best chance of successful outcome and long term survival,” he added.

Just 11% if the men surveyed said they would recognise possible warning signs of cancer, and 41% of men said they think males are reluctant to see doctors because of fear.

Almost a third of men, 29%, said they do not visit the doctor even if they do think something is wrong, because they believe the problem will go away of its own accord.

Cancer Awareness Week hopes to encourage men to take regular check-ups and become more health aware.

The National Cancer Registry estimates that cancer rates will have risen by 275% by 2020.

That will mean there are approximately 3,768 new cancer cases in Ireland by 2020.