Breast Cancer: Not just for girls – Insurancewith.com push to increase awareness of breast cancer in men
• Only 20% of men would go to the GP immediately with common breast cancer symptoms
• 78% of men say there is a poor awareness of male breast cancer
• 44% of men are not worried about being diagnosed with any form of cancer in the future
YouGov research conducted by Insurancewith.com has found men to be educationally lacking when it comes to breast cancer. Results showed only 20% of men would see their GP immediately with common symptoms of breast cancer, whilst 78% of men believe there to be poor awareness of the disease.
Worryingly, only 23% of over 55s, the age most at risk from breast cancer, said they would either go to a GP immediately or keep an eye on the symptoms before visiting their doctor.
Meanwhile, 24% of British men don’t think they will be diagnosed with breast cancer – rising to 42% in the 18-24 age bracket.
Although breast cancer in men isn’t overly common – The NHS suggest around 350-400 breast cancer cases occur in men each year – increasing awareness of the disease is crucial to saving lives.
The message from Insurancewith.com is very clear – breast cancer is not just for girls. Symptoms include lumps and swelling, nipple retraction and discharge from the nipple.
Sarah Page, brand manager of Insurancewith.com, said: “With Breast Cancer Awareness Month starting this October, it is important men understand how to recognise breast cancer symptoms, particularly among young males who seem to be the most worried but the least aware.
“Male breast cancer can exhibit the same symptoms as breast cancer in women with survival rates for men very similar to those of women. Therefore, men who notice anything unusual about their nipple or breast area should contact a doctor immediately. Early detection of breast cancer increases treatment options and reduces the risk of the cancer spreading.”
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2069 adults, of which 992 were male. Fieldwork was undertaken between 20th - 21st September 2016. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).