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Nearly half of British fathers admit they avoid discussing men’s health issues with their sons, according to research. One in five dodge such conversations because they don’t want to scare their sons.

A similar number (17 percent) admit they struggle to chat about men’s health because they find it awkward and uncomfortable.

But the poll of 2,009 dads, aged 33 and over, with sons aged 18+, metoprolol selective or nonselective found 65 percent want them to be more confident speaking about health than they are – with seven in ten wishing health chats could be as commonplace as talking about sport.

One in three dads said they wouldn’t know how to start a sensitive health conversation.

Not having enough knowledge about it (20 percent), finding the right “time and place” to chat (17 percent), and not wanting to cause distress (16 percent), were cited as reasons men don’t openly talk to their boys about men’s cancer.

Dr Prantik Das, clinical oncologist at GenesisCare, which commissioned the research, said: “Health issues can be a taboo, especially with men, as our “Break the Silence” research shows.

“Cancer can be difficult to discuss, and many men fear the impact a cancer diagnosis may have on their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

“This Father’s Day, we want dads to take the time to have a conversation with their sons about any risks – particularly those that may be hereditary.

“By fostering open dialogue, encouraging early detection, and highlighting the available innovative treatment options, we hope to improve outcomes, and help more men live healthy, fulfilling lives.”

It shouldn’t take a life-changing disease to encourage men to have a life-saving conversation

Geoff Seymour, prostate cancer patient

It also emerged that while more than one in six (18 percent) dads find it uncomfortable to discuss checking for men’s cancer with their sons regularly, the majority (87 percent) believe it’s important for their offspring to know they can talk to them about it.

Nearly nine in ten (86 percent) agree it’s important for their sons to know if they have an increased risk of hereditary cancer, to ensure they are aware of the development of any signs and symptoms.

Of those surveyed, seven in ten (69 percent) would consider genetic testing if a family member was diagnosed with cancer.

More than three-quarters (79 percent) would like to learn more about the signs and symptoms of men’s cancer, to provide more guidance to their sons during conversations.

And 69 percent want to better understand the latest cancer treatment options available.

Four in five (82 percent) agree that the knowledge would make them feel more equipped with a self-diagnosis or a family diagnosis.

This Father’s Day, GenesisCare, the UK’s leading independent cancer care provider, is appealing to dads to break the stigma around men talking about health issues – and, in particular, cancer.

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Geoff Seymour, a 65-year-old dad of two sons, was successfully treated using MRIdian MR Linac in just five days.

In less than a week, he returned to his normal life – showing the value of early diagnosis and treatment.

Since Geoff’s father died as a result of prostate cancer, he had been getting his GP to monitor his Prostate Specific Antigen levels regularly.

The minute a change was detected, they booked him in for treatment – and this awareness and quick response were key in his recovery.

Geoff said: “It shouldn’t take a life-changing disease to encourage men to have a life-saving conversation.

“Having witnessed my father’s radiotherapy experience, I wasn’t keen on the route.

“Given these fears, Dr Prantik Das told me about a ground-breaking radiotherapy treatment available through GenesisCare, using MRIdian technology.

“Over just five consecutive days, I was fully treated with only 40 minutes of radiotherapy each day.

“The death of my father encouraged me to consider my own genetic health risks and, in turn, that of my sons, who are 36 and 40 now.

“It wasn’t something I had ever discussed with them – but knowing that it could save their lives, you bet I found a way to bring it up.

“It was awkward at first, but now we check in every now and then pretty easily.

“I would encourage all men to get over their fears, take the time out, and just ask the question.”

Men have a one in two chance of being diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, and it is estimated that between three and 10 in every 100 cancers in the UK are associated with an inherited gene.

Recognising that not everyone finds it easy to initiate conversations around men’s health, the independent cancer provider offers advice on where to start.

GenesisCare offers a range of innovative cancer treatments, including precision MRI-guided radiotherapy, and Theranostics.

For more information on the signs and symptoms of cancer, and innovative cancer treatments available, please visit here.

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