Men delay prostate cancer treatment through fear

Men are often so afraid about the implications of prostate cancer that they put off visiting a doctor, even if they are experiencing telltale symptoms, research has found.

A study conducted by researchers at Birmingham University has revealed that, while men often recognise the main symptoms of prostate cancer, they frequently delay seeking medical attention out of fear.

In addition, the research found that many men do not believe it is "macho" to seek help, despite the fact that a third of prostate cancer patients die from the disease.

Lead researcher Dr Susan Hale said that, far from ignoring the symptoms of prostate cancer, men are in fact "extremely anxious".

"Fears about the effects of illness and treatment emerged as major influences on their eventual decisions to seek help," she told the BBC.

The study, which is published in the British Journal of Health Psychology, also indicated that men often delay approaching their GP because of the perception that male doctors commonly have negative attitudes towards male patients.
   
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