New research shows men’s health is all about women

Australian women need to be educated about prostate cancer after findings from a new Newspoll survey suggest they play a leading role in men’s healthcare.

The survey of more than 600 men over the age of 50 found that 78% visited the doctor only when encouraged by a female. Sixty one percent of men who had been for a prostate check in the past 12 months did so only after being encouraged by a female to visit the doctor.

“These findings show the crucial role women play in men’s health,” Andrew Giles, chief executive of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia said.

“What is of great concern is the fact 86% of men surveyed thought people generally know more about breast cancer than they do about prostate cancer, and 23% believe breast cancer is a more serious condition than prostate cancer. This is despite the fact around the same number of men die from prostate cancer as women die from breast cancer each year.”

The study also showed that 26% of respondents, who have never had their prostate checked, believe men only need to go for a check-up for prostate cancer when they think they have a problem.

“This is a myth. Men in the at-risk category that is, aged 50 years and over, or with a family history should visit their doctor for a yearly prostate check. The good news is there are now a range of treatment options available for men who develop prostate cancer but, as with any cancer, the best outcomes occur with early diagnosis,” Andrew Giles said.