Breast Cancer – Not Just for Girls #notjustforgirls

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Breast Cancer isn’t just for girls, as most of us know, men are also at risk of breast cancer. But do they worry about it? Are they aware? Do they know how to check themselves? Men are notoriously bad at visiting their GP when they think there might be a problem. Sometimes it’s up to us as their partners, sisters, mothers, friends to nudge them in the right direction.

In a recent research study by YouGov, they found that

• 33% of 45-54 year old men do not worry about being diagnosed with any cancer in particular
• 35-44 year olds worry the most about breast cancer (8%)
• 24% of men don’t think they will be diagnosed with breast cancer

This new online research conducted on behalf of leading specialist travel provider Insurancewith.com has found that men have varying levels of understanding and awareness of male breast cancer.

The research  found 24% of British men don’t think they will be diagnosed with breast cancer and this rises to more than four in ten (42%) of 18-24 year old males believing this.

Even though male breast cancer is rare, MaleBreastCancer.org states that less than 1% of all breast cancers occur in men; in 2016, around 2,600 men are expected to be diagnosed – this is a risk of 1/1,000.  83% of males aged 18-24 believe there is poor awareness of male breast cancer in the UK, with 13% unaware of how to recognise common breast cancer symptoms.

Men need to become aware that breast cancer is not just for women. Possible symptoms of breast cancer to watch out for include lumps and swelling, nipple retraction and discharge from the nipple.

This is highlighted in the comprehensive resource created by Insurancewith, as well as the slimmed down Infographic version – which details signs, symptoms and treatment of breast cancer, among other valuable and potentially life-saving information.

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The most concerned of all the age groups is the 18-24 year olds with over half (53%) worried about being diagnosed with any form of cancer in the future, with testicular cancer a particular concern among 38%.

Males aged 45-54 are the least worried (40%) about the possibility of being personally diagnosed with any type of cancer in the future of all the age groups. Breastcancercare.org state the risk of breast cancer increases as you get older, with most men developing the disease when they are over 60.

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+).

Insurancewith.com was created in 2005 to provide affordable travel insurance for those suffering from cancer and genetic diseases. insurancewith believes that all travellers should be treated fairly with premiums that are based on actual risk, and not on a pre-conceived idea of the medical condition. Its unique medical screening process enables it to provide competitive travel insurance for anyone with a medical condition without necessarily charging them an additional premium.

However, there is more to insurancewith: than just providing travel insurance. When you buy one of its policies, a donation of £1 is given to its supported charities. These charities support thousands of people who live with medical conditions such as breast cancer and diabetes – some of the very people insurancewith: products have been designed for.

This is a collaborative post, however all opinions are my own.

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