– 50% of men would not recognise the symptoms of testicular or prostate cancer
– More than half of Irish men would be more likely to have an annual health check if it was organised by their employer
– The expense involved in getting a check up influences 48% of males in their decision to visit their GP or consultant when they are feeling ill
– 32% of men are uncomfortable discussing their health with family, a GP or consultant
The research, which tested Irish men’s attitudes to their health and wellbeing, found that more than half of all Irish men (60%) would be more likely to have an annual health check if it was organised by their employer. This number was higher amongst men aged 16-24 (64%), 25-34 (72%), 35-44 (68%), 45-54 (65%) and lower amongst men aged 55+ (36%).
Almost half of all Irish men (49%) refer to the internet to diagnose their symptoms before visiting a doctor. Men aged 25-34 were most likely to use the internet to self-diagnose (60%). This number was highest amongst men in Dublin (53%) and the rest of Leinster (55%) and lower in Munster, Connaught, and Ulster (45%). Men over 55% were the least likely to use the internet to find out what symptoms could mean (36%).
The survey also revealed that a third of Irish men feel uncomfortable discussing their health with their family, GP or consultant. Men in Munster and Connaught were more likely to feel uncomfortable (34% and 35%) than men in Dublin or the rest of Leinster (29% and 32%). Young men between the ages of 16-24 were the most likely age-group to find it uncomfortable (38%).
Finally, almost one in two men (48%) allows cost to influence their decision about whether to visit a GP or consultant when they are ill. Men between the ages of 25-34 were most likely to let the cost influence their decision (59%). For men over the age of 55, cost was less of an issue with only 29% citing it as a factor.
Commenting on the survey results, Sarah O’Neill, Occupational Health Advisor (RGN, RM, OHA) with QUINN-healthcare, said: “Testicular Cancer is the most common form of cancer in men aged between 15 and 34 years in Ireland. It is crucial that young men in particular are aware of the signs and symptoms of this disease as it is very treatable if reported early. Carrying out monthly self examinations to detect any changes and attending their GP early if they notice any abnormalities is vital.
She continued: “It is also worrying that 38% of younger men find it difficult to discuss health concerns with a family member or GP. As so many men use the internet to self diagnose, I would recommend viewing reputable websites such as the Irish Cancer Foundation www.irishcancer.ie and the Marie Keating Foundation www.mariekeating.ie for any cancer related concerns. QUINN-healthcare also issues monthly health & wellbeing bulletins with topical information which may also be of benefit and these can be viewed on our website www.quinn-healthcare.com.”
I agree that men should be alert to testicular cancer, but are not. We tend to ignore our health problems until it is too late. Testicular cancer is as big a killer as breast cancer, so, it is important to have a prostate check by the doctor each year. Interestingly, we cannot be precise about what causes testicular cancer, but we do know that the number of men who get it are increasing each year. We know that men who have an ‘undescended’ testicle are at risk, and that this cancer may be hereditary insofar as there is an increased risk of developing it if a close relative, e.g. a father has suffered from it.
Some of the symptoms include having a lump or swelling in a testicle, tenderness in the testicle, or any hardening of the testicle. Having a pain in the testicle is also something that should be investigated. These symptoms are normally related to something else, but it is important to have them checked out to eliminate the possibility of prostate cancer.
Jim O’Shea