According to a recent study by the digital health operator Livi, cancer is a subject that is rarely discussed by men. Unlike women, they are also less likely to undergo screening.
- Prostate cancer is the most common in men, ahead of lung and colorectal cancer.
- Nearly 78% of survey participants said they had never been screened for cancer.
In the midst of Movember, the prostate cancer awareness campaign, Livi, a digital health operator, unveiled his investigation on cancer screening in France. The study was conducted by the Opinéa Institute, which interviewed 1,010 respondents aged 18 to 75 online from October 13 to 17, 2022.
According to the results of the study published on November 15, cancer is still a taboo subject for one in two people (45%). However, this trend is more common among men surveyed (49%) than among women (41%).
Cancer, a sensitive subject among young men
Prostate cancer is most common in men and usually occurs after age 65. Patients with a family history of prostate cancer are more frequently affected. “It is important to note that only 20% of respondents, regardless of gender and age, say that cancer is “no longer” a taboo for them, that’s good, but that’s too little ( …) Among young people, we notice that the subject is even more sensitive with 56% of 18-35 year olds who say they do not talk about it. However, this population is also exposed to certain cancers, such as that of the testicles. indicated Doctor François Burté, general practitioner, member of the Medical Department at Livi.
Several reasons are mentioned when the participants explain why cancer remains a taboo subject. The fear of death is the main factor that blocks the dialogue on the disease, especially when the person is between 56 and 75 years old. “Among the other reasons that make cancer a taboo subject, painful treatment (47%), fear of judgment by others (45%) or the impact on professional life (36%) are also particularly cited. contrario, the impact on sexual health (15%) is not highlighted”, explained the study.
Cancer screening is less common among men
Another discovery of the survey: men are screened less than women. Nearly 78% of participants said they had not been screened for cancer. Only 17% have ever screened for prostate cancer. “In detail, this is especially the case for 56-75 year olds (31% vs. 10% for 18-35 year olds). Only 8% have screened for testicular cancer. This is particularly the case for young people (14% vs 2% for 56-75 year olds)”can we read in the study.
In France, the most frequently performed screening is for breast cancer in women, particularly in patients aged 56 to 75.
“A great deal of awareness-raising work remains to be done concerning male cancers. Initiatives such as Movember are to be welcomed. Campaigns to inform about breast cancer or women’s health more generally are more and more numerous. In the same way, the awareness of cancers specific to men must be increased to free up speech and encourage them to be screened, in order to take charge of possible cancers as soon as possible”, warned Doctor François Buté.
