Two in five (41%) men do not know if they are more likely to develop cancer, according to research from Bupa.
The survey of 3,000 men found nearly half (44%) of men were not aware that a family history of cancer can increase their risk, while two thirds (66%) did not know that someone’s ethnicity or genes can increase their likelihood of developing cancer.
The findings were published alongside Bupa and Prostate Cancer UK entering into a partnership to empower men to navigate their risk, and to support those with a diagnosis through their cancer journey.
Cancer Research data also indicates a quarter of men (25%) were not confident when it came to knowing their family health history and a third (36%) of men found it difficult to reach out to their loved ones about cancer.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, and is also now the most common cancer in England.
One in eight men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime, and for Black men this risk doubles to one in four, according to Prostate Cancer UK data.
Similarly, if someone’s father or brother has had prostate cancer, then they are two and a half times more likely to develop it as well.
Almost four in 10 (39%) men lacked the confidence to identify symptoms that might indicate cancer, creating a barrier against early detection and successful treatment, the research found.
However, a third (34%) of men would get checked for cancer if they felt a change in their body.
While the first step in testing for prostate cancer is a simple PSA blood test, many fear the test is intrusive, resulting in two thirds (65%) shying away from getting tested for prostate cancer and one in 10 (11%) embarrassed about an intimate exam.
Dr Tim Woodman, medical director for cancer services at Bupa said: “Given the prevalence of prostate cancer, it’s crucial people understand their personal risk. Many men with early-stage prostate cancer show no symptoms, which makes awareness even more important.
“Knowing your family’s history of cancer and understanding the influence of your age and ethnicity can help you take proactive steps, like getting screened early and accessing timely treatment if it’s needed.
“Men are concerned about prostate cancer, but don’t take action until they have to. Prostate cancer is one of the most treatable cancers when caught early, and the earlier the diagnosis, the less disruptive the treatment tends to be.
“I’d encourage anyone who’s worried, or at higher risk of developing prostate cancer, to get checked.”
Nick Ridgman, head of support services at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, and it’s curable if found early.
“But it’s also the most common cancer without a screening programme, and so right now the responsibility to know your risk and speak to a GP rest entirely on men’s shoulders.
“We need men to know their risk, which increases if they’re over 50 and if they’re Black or have a family history of the disease, and to speak to their GP about testing if they are at risk.
“We’ve developed a simple online tool to help, so men can check their risk online in 30 seconds by visiting our website or searching ‘check my risk’ today. Through our partnership with Bupa, we aim to get more men a lifesaving early diagnosis and to provide vital advice and support for men going through diagnosis and treatment.”