Hard-man Scots fail to tackle cancer risk

SCOTLAND’S “hard man” attitude is preventing men from seeking help for prostate and other cancers, a study has revealed.

Cahonas Scotland, a male cancer charity which commissioned the study, said men tended to ignore or “laugh off” symptoms and put off seeking treatment.

The charity is calling for health awareness campaigns targeted at men who are unwilling or afraid of facing up to cancer risks.

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Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death among men in the UK, accounting for around 14 per cent of male cancer deaths.

Researchers at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, who conducted the study, found men had limited awareness about their cancer risks, were reluctant to deal with concerns and would probably ignore symptoms and delay consulting health professionals or seeking advice.

Sociologist John Hughes added: “Most of the men felt uneasy about being open about health and wellbeing generally and male cancer specifically. This reluctance was explained within the context of a need to protect partners, family and friends, as well as the need to maintain a strong sense of physical and emotional fortitude.”

Martin Docherty, national secretary for Cahonas Scotland, said: “The study has presented us with extremely valuable information and confirms that much more specific work needs to be done to target and educate Scottish men about male cancers.”