Understanding why men struggle to discuss prostate cancer

Breaking the silence around talking about prostate cancer and sparking crucial conversations to promote early detection is vital, but research tells it’s something men find very difficult.  We’re aiming to break that taboo as we know early detection means access to more advanced treatment options.

Join us as we delve into the startling research findings and explore how we can all make a difference in encouraging men not to stay ‘Deadly Silent’.

Jo Hemmings, Behavioural psychologist, says, “This research reveals just how difficult it can be for men to open up about prostate concerns, due to dismissal of symptoms, embarrassment and fear of worrying others as well the treatment procedures they may have to go through. But sharing their concerns is the first critical step in getting advice, treatment and potentially saving their lives.

If you’re nervous about confiding in friends and family, it’s wise to choose somewhere quiet and familiar; somewhere you feel comfortable. Taking to the golf course is a great idea if that’s a setting in which you are accustomed to spending time relaxing – I’m not at all surprised that this showed up in the research as somewhere people feel at ease opening up about their anxieties. It needs to be a place where you aren’t rushed and won’t be interrupted.”

In a special one-off Deadly Silent Podcast , TV presenter and prostate cancer survivor, Nick Owen discusses these statistics and chats with fellow prostate cancer patient, retired NHS GP Dr Kanty Patel, who was treated for prostate cancer with zero side effects in just five days, on the innovative MRIdian MR linac, exclusively available in the UK at GenesisCare.

Hear why Kanty chose to invest in his care and why he opted to undergo treatment on this groundbreaking technology. 

I was determined not to have a long-drawn out treatment or to experience side effects often related to prostate cancer treatments.

The Deadly Silent podcast also explores Kanty's passion for encouraging people to talk about the symptoms of prostate cancer and the treatments available, and how this is particularly challenging for the Asian community.

Dr Prantik Das, Clinical Oncologist at GenesisCare also urges men to speak up before it’s too late “Health issues can be taboo, especially with men as our ‘deadly 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. By Opening up conversations and, encouraging early detection, together with highlighting all available and innovative treatment options, we hope to improve outcomes and help more men live longer, healthy lives. 

Thankfully by taking action Dr Patel’s prostate cancer was diagnosed early, when it was still confined to the prostate, meaning he could be successfully treated with radiotherapy on the MRIdian in just five days. Confirming what we already know and want to share with all men, talking about any concerns and getting them checked, leads to earlier detection, more advanced treatment options and better outcomes. Early detection diagnosis and treatment.”

Find out more information about MRIdian radiotherapy for prostate cancer here