Below the belt

Too often men’s health issues are ignored.

For some it is a case of not seeing that there is a problem. Others are told it might be a problem but don’t listen.

And then there are some who while knowing there is a problem, they dare not speak of it.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Australian men, yet according to a new survey men still have a lack of understanding of the diseases.

Despite admitting their symptoms below the belt affect their sleep, ability to work, relationship and sex life, one third of men incorrectly believing their symptoms are an untreatable natural part of ageing.

The GSK Health Index survey about men’s health issues was conducted among men experiencing potential symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Of the 1005 men surveyed, one third incorrectly believe their symptoms are an untreatable natural part of ageing, while nearly 20per cent admit to having no idea about prostate cancer, bowel cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia.

It also found 48 per cent have not sought medical advice and 34 per cent of men are not able to identify where their prostate is.

And despite men’s health issues less taboo than before, men are still embarrassed.

Men’s health is an issue that is becoming increasingly recognised, says Dr Camilla Chong, GSK medical director.

“Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in Australian men while conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia, a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland and the most common cause of lower urinary tract symptoms in older men, have a huge impact on quality of life if left untreated,” says Chong.

“So it is important men don’t ignore symptoms and recognise when to seek medical attention.”

The findings
* Nearly 20% admit to having no idea about health issues like prostate cancer, bowel cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia.
* 48% have not sought medical advice.
* 34% of men are not able to identify where their prostate is.
* 69% believe their symptoms are a natural part of ageing so do not need to see a doctor about them.
* 13% of men who have not seen a doctor about their symptoms fail to do so due to embarrassment.
* 9% don’t see a doctor because they are worried about having to have a
rectal exam.
* 6% avoided the doctor for fear of finding out they might have cancer.
* 8 in 10 men report not knowing anything about benign prostatic hyperplasia despite it being the most common form of prostate cancer.
* 70% are out of bed between two and three times a night to urinate and 61% report losing half an hour sleep a night due to toilet trips.
* Nearly 20% of men claim symptoms are affecting their sex lives.

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