Menu
04/10/2013
Men Over 50 Are Less Likely To Know Symptoms Of Cancer
Men over 50 are less likely to know symptoms of serious diseases and have a worse diet than women, according to a new study released today by Saga Health Insurance who surveyed almost 12,000 over-50s.
The study which asked both men and women aged 50+ about their lifestyle, their knowledge of disease symptoms and what influences them to go the doctor, found that men may be in need of a bit of encouragement from the women in their life to make their health a priority.
According to the study, over 60% of men don’t eat the recommended five + a day of fruit and vegetables compared to half of women, while one in five don't do any exercise.
These things in isolation would be of concern however the study also found that men's awareness of the symptoms of many of the big killers such as bowel and prostate cancer was low – despite all the public awareness health campaigns around these diseases.
This year is the 10 year anniversary of the death of entertainer Bob Monkhouse from Prostate Cancer and five years on from his ground-breaking posthumous TV commercial which urged men to be on the lookout for symptoms of the disease.
Since then, the NHS and various charities have campaigned consistently for more public awareness of this and other diseases, yet less than one in ten men over 50 say they would go to the doctor off the back of an NHS public awareness campaign.
Furthermore, 40% of the men aged over 50 surveyed still don’t know the symptoms of prostate cancer and 45% don’t know the symptoms of bowel cancer.
Men are also less likely than women to know symptoms of cancers such as skin cancer (54% men v 71% women) and lung cancer (37% men v 51% women) as well as other conditions such as arthritis (64% men v 75% women) and dementia (49% men v 64% women).
The study also found that men are slightly less likely than women to visit the doctor when they discover a new health problem (47% v 53%), while almost a quarter wouldn’t even go to their GP if they were in severe pain.
However, men are far more likely to go to the doctor based on pressure from their partner or children, with the study showing 22% men over 50 will get checked out at their families insistence compared to just 14% of women.
Roger Ramsden, chief executive, Saga Services, commented: "The survey results show that men need a shove in the right direction in order to prioritise their health. With so many conditions, prompt diagnosis is the key to successful treatment, therefore it's vitally important that we seek help as soon as we think something might be wrong."
(CD/IT)
The study which asked both men and women aged 50+ about their lifestyle, their knowledge of disease symptoms and what influences them to go the doctor, found that men may be in need of a bit of encouragement from the women in their life to make their health a priority.
According to the study, over 60% of men don’t eat the recommended five + a day of fruit and vegetables compared to half of women, while one in five don't do any exercise.
These things in isolation would be of concern however the study also found that men's awareness of the symptoms of many of the big killers such as bowel and prostate cancer was low – despite all the public awareness health campaigns around these diseases.
This year is the 10 year anniversary of the death of entertainer Bob Monkhouse from Prostate Cancer and five years on from his ground-breaking posthumous TV commercial which urged men to be on the lookout for symptoms of the disease.
Since then, the NHS and various charities have campaigned consistently for more public awareness of this and other diseases, yet less than one in ten men over 50 say they would go to the doctor off the back of an NHS public awareness campaign.
Furthermore, 40% of the men aged over 50 surveyed still don’t know the symptoms of prostate cancer and 45% don’t know the symptoms of bowel cancer.
Men are also less likely than women to know symptoms of cancers such as skin cancer (54% men v 71% women) and lung cancer (37% men v 51% women) as well as other conditions such as arthritis (64% men v 75% women) and dementia (49% men v 64% women).
The study also found that men are slightly less likely than women to visit the doctor when they discover a new health problem (47% v 53%), while almost a quarter wouldn’t even go to their GP if they were in severe pain.
However, men are far more likely to go to the doctor based on pressure from their partner or children, with the study showing 22% men over 50 will get checked out at their families insistence compared to just 14% of women.
Roger Ramsden, chief executive, Saga Services, commented: "The survey results show that men need a shove in the right direction in order to prioritise their health. With so many conditions, prompt diagnosis is the key to successful treatment, therefore it's vitally important that we seek help as soon as we think something might be wrong."
(CD/IT)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 April 2012
Men Pay More For Life Insurance
Men across the UK are paying far more for their life insurance than women, accordng to new research. Men are paying an average of 26% more per policy, per year. To make matters worse, Confused.com reveals that a shocking 1 in 4 men never shop around for anything better.
Men Pay More For Life Insurance
Men across the UK are paying far more for their life insurance than women, accordng to new research. Men are paying an average of 26% more per policy, per year. To make matters worse, Confused.com reveals that a shocking 1 in 4 men never shop around for anything better.
11 August 2011
Heart Disease Risk Greater For Female Smokers
Women who smoke have an increased risk of developing heart disease compared to men, a new study has found. The US study, which was published in the Lancet, found that women smokers had a 25% higher risk of developing heart disease than men. The study analysed 86 previous studies involving a total of more than four million people.
Heart Disease Risk Greater For Female Smokers
Women who smoke have an increased risk of developing heart disease compared to men, a new study has found. The US study, which was published in the Lancet, found that women smokers had a 25% higher risk of developing heart disease than men. The study analysed 86 previous studies involving a total of more than four million people.
30 July 2003
Government target 'failing' breast cancer patients
The government’s two-week target is failing to have the hoped-for impact on waiting times for breast cancer treatment, according to a study published in the British Journal of Cancer today. The target – set in April 1999 – aims for all women referred urgently by their GP with suspected breast cancer to see a hospital consultant within a fortnight.
Government target 'failing' breast cancer patients
The government’s two-week target is failing to have the hoped-for impact on waiting times for breast cancer treatment, according to a study published in the British Journal of Cancer today. The target – set in April 1999 – aims for all women referred urgently by their GP with suspected breast cancer to see a hospital consultant within a fortnight.
07 February 2006
Womb cancer increase causes concern
Survival rates for womb cancer are increasing, according to a report, but there are concerns that the disease is increasing among the over-60s. Cancer Research UK reported that five-year survival rates for womb cancer have risen to 77% - an improvement of 16% in the past 30 years.
Womb cancer increase causes concern
Survival rates for womb cancer are increasing, according to a report, but there are concerns that the disease is increasing among the over-60s. Cancer Research UK reported that five-year survival rates for womb cancer have risen to 77% - an improvement of 16% in the past 30 years.
17 October 2005
Breast cancer can cost ‘thousands’
Breast cancer can cost sufferers thousands of pounds, a survey by a leading cancer charity has revealed. Macmillan Cancer Relief surveyed 50 cancer patients and found that, on average, they spent almost £2,000 on extra costs during their treatment.
Breast cancer can cost ‘thousands’
Breast cancer can cost sufferers thousands of pounds, a survey by a leading cancer charity has revealed. Macmillan Cancer Relief surveyed 50 cancer patients and found that, on average, they spent almost £2,000 on extra costs during their treatment.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
