Dads urged to open up to their sons about men’s health issues this Father’s Day

FATHERS and sons are being urged to open up and have honest chats about their health.

It comes as new research ahead of Father's Day reveals nearly half of dads admit avoiding men's health issues, with one in five dodging chats for fear of scaring their sons.

What's more 17 per cent admit they struggle to chat about men’s health because they find it awkward and uncomfortable.

The poll of 2,009 dads aged 33 and over with sons aged 18 plus found 65 per cent want them to be more confident speaking about health than they are, with seven in 10 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 per cent), finding the right ‘time and place' to chat (17 per cent), and not wanting to cause distress (16 per cent) 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.”

While more than one in six (18 per cent) dads find it uncomfortable to discuss checking for men’s cancer with their sons regularly, the majority (87 per cent) believe it's important for their offspring to know they can talk to them about it.

Nearly nine in 10 (86 per cent) 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, 69 per cent would consider genetic testing if a family member was diagnosed with cancer.

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

While 69 per cent want to better understand the latest cancer treatment options available.

Four in five (82 per cent) 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.

Geoff Seymour, a 65-year-old man, 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 - 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.

HOW TO TALK TO YOUR LOVED ONE

1. Start with empathy: Approach the conversation with genuine care and understanding, emphasising that you want to support your son's overall well-being.

2. Choose the right moment: Find a comfortable and relaxed setting where both you and your son can talk openly without distractions.

3. Encourage questions: Create a safe space for your son to ask any questions he may have. Assure him that no question is off-limits or embarrassing.

4. Connect the family dots: Foster open dialogue, explore your hereditary medical history and acknowledge any potential risks, as this will help you determine the most effective approach

5. Use relatable examples: Share stories or examples from individuals who have overcome health challenges and discuss well-man check-ups to emphasise the importance of early detection and prevention.

6. Provide reliable resources: Equip your son with trusted sources of information, such as educational websites or reputable organisations, to encourage further exploration and understanding.