As well as the health effects, men are left so anxious and depressed following their testicular cancer diagnosis that they find it hard to socialise, according to new research.
Health on Female First
More two-thirds of men suffer from this once they've been given a diagnosis and a further 86 per cent said that their confidence and performance at work sufferend as a result.
Sex was also on the mind after a diagnosis too, as 70 per cent were worries about how it would affect their relationship and sex life.
However, in spite of the overwhelming impact of this post-diagnosis anxiety and fear, nearly 40 per cent of men delayed discussing how they were feeling with their partner and over a third waited at least a few weeks before going to see their GP, once they’d found a lump. This lack of communication and inability to seek help is potentially putting mens’ lives at risk.
Every year over 37,400 men will be diagnosed with a male specific cancer. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in younger men aged between 15 and 45, and the rate is increasing. The most likely way this cancer can initially be identified is by finding a lump or change in the testicle.
In over 25 per cent of cases, the cancer has already spread by the time of diagnosis but, if caught at an early stage, the probability of a successful cure is more than 98 per cent.
Rebecca Porta, Chief Executive of Orchid comments: “Male cancer awareness is a significant problem in the UK today and it can still be a challenge to get men to take their health seriously.
"As this research shows, we all have a role to play in working together to fight male cancer whether it’s to encourage self-checks or to seek medical advice and information. We’re calling on all friends and team mates as well as close family and partners to be proactive in encouraging the man in their lives – their husband, father, son, brother – to be more male cancer aware.”
When anyone is confronted with a serious illness such as cancer, having the support of family and friends remains a crucial part of the treatment process. Figures released by Orchid can also reveal that men often find it easier to talk to their mates about their concerns than their partner.
ORCHID’S MALE CANCER AWARENESS WEEK – 23-29 APRIL 2012
The Orchid Male Cancer Awareness Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of male specific cancers.
Orchid is the UK’s only registered charity focused exclusively on male-specific cancers. Formed in 1996 by a testicular cancer patient, Orchid exists to save men’s lives from testicular, prostate, and penile cancers through pioneering research, the provision of specialist information and support, campaigns and raising awareness.