One in three men would not tell their partner if they had cancer.
This is according to a survey of 3,000 men conducted by Bupa and released ahead of Valentine’s Day.
The research found only one in five (20%) men in a relationship would tell their partner if they had health concerns and only a third (37%) of these men would tell their partner if they were diagnosed with cancer.
However, 85% of men believed that if they developed a noticeable symptom, then their partner would mention it. Even among those who had been in a relationship for less than six months, 89% believed their partner would bring it up if their symptoms were visible.
Almost three quarters (74%) of men who knew their family history knew their risk of getting diagnosed with cancer, and over half of men (56%) thought a family history of cancer made them more likely to develop the disease. But only 23% of men would tell their partner that they were at risk of hereditary cancer once in a serious relationship. Though this number fell even further once married or having children, with only 7% of men stating that they would be likely to tell their partner that cancer runs in their family.
Just one in three (30%) men knew that early screenings across prostate, testicular and bowel cancer can be quick and non-invasive.
One of the main barriers stopping men checking or seeking medical advice was a fear of being diagnosed – 21% of those in a relationship cited this as a factor in them not seeking advice, and among those with symptoms, 20% in a relationship would be worried about what their doctor might find.
Dr Robin Clark, medical director at Bupa UK Insurance, said: “The latest research is worrying. Male cancer diagnoses continue to rise, yet men are still having far too few open conversations about their health. Early detection is critical; it can make the difference between a treatable condition and a life-threatening one.
“For those in relationships, being open about health concerns helps raise awareness, strengthens support systems, and could ultimately save lives. Too many men keep quiet about symptoms that could be serious. Checking yourself regularly, and trusting a partner to notice changes too, significantly increases the chance of spotting cancer early.
“I always encourage people to look out for symptoms where a change is unexplained or persistent, and to seek medical help if something doesn’t feel right.”
