The King’s cancer diagnosis and men’s health

Health

The King's cancer diagnosis has sent shockwaves through the country, but it should be a reminder that men need to get checked...

King Charles’ cancer diagnosis is causing shock – it is unclear what cancer he has, but it was discovered while he was having treatment for an enlarged prostate – however it should also be seen as a chance for him to be able to now have treatment that will hopefully save his life. For often, with men, a diagnosis comes too late, a result of us not having that kind of relationship with our own health and healthcare professionals. We withdraw and ignore rather than get things checked. And we don’t talk to others when we are concerned.

A study last year found that men have. 50% chance of receiving a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime with up to 1 in 10 cancers inherited genetically.
And yet nearly half of dads avoid sensitive health conversations with their sons.
A third of them said they wouldn’t know how to start a conversation with their sons about health issues and 1 in 5 wouldn’t want to scare their sons.
A fifth felt they don’t have enough knowledge about the subject while 17% find it awkward or uncomfortable to discuss.

Well it’s time we got through this awkwardness and start thinking about the bigger picture. So what if it’s embarrassing, it could save your own life and that of your children.

We really have to have better dialogue about what’s troubling us, rather than ‘man up’. By going to a doctor by raising concerns, we have a much better chance of issues being detected. Perhaps, as with the King, in the course of having another issue checked.

We know prostate cancer, the most common cancer among males in the UK, is treatable – but it’s hard to detect and unless we have confidence in getting checked it can remain undiagnosed. The same goes for other cancers – we can’t leave it too late.

Best of wishes to the King and here’s hoping we can use the coverage around his health to encourage more men to look after their own and live long, happy lives.

Read more about breast cancer in men.