"This data paints a worrying picture."
- Dr Tim Woodman - Bupa
New research by Bupa revealed that just one in four (28%) of those who identify as men check for cancer signs or symptoms on a monthly basis, and 15% said they never check.
According to the research, which surveyed 3,000 nationally representative UK men, this falls even further among Gen Z men, with just one in six (17%) of those aged between 16 and 28 checking themselves monthly, while 20% of Gen Z have never checked.
The findings suggest that many believe they are too young to be at risk, despite certain cancers, such as testicular cancer, being most common among teens and young adults aged 15 to 45.
Furthermore, this research comes at a time when cancer rates are increasing among young men. Since the early 2000s, cancer rates for young people in the UK have risen by approximately a tenth, and analysis of recent mortality data from 2021 to 2023 showed that 50% more male cancer deaths than female cancer deaths were recorded annually.
This trend continues when it comes to seeking medical advice. Only 26% of Gen Z said they’d be most likely to seek help from a GP, with 13% saying they’d go to the hospital and 10% saying they would call 111.
At the same time, 15% said they would sooner search for support online first using AI or social media, while 6% had no idea where to seek this medical advice from at all.
17% reported that the main reason they avoided seeking professional support was fear of being diagnosed, while one in ten cited practical barriers such as difficulty getting appointments, time off work, or cost.
"This data paints a worrying picture. We are seeing a measurable increase in cancer diagnoses among young people, yet the very group most affected, Gen Z, is the least likely to take simple, potentially life-saving preventative steps like monthly self-checks for cancer signs and symptoms," Dr Tim Woodman, Medical Director for Cancer Services at Bupa, said.
"Most cancers can be treated far more easily and effectively when they are caught early, but too many men are putting off checking and getting advice or help when they have concerns, potentially brushing symptoms off as something else. Knowing what is normal for your body and checking yourself regularly is vital to spotting any symptoms at the earliest stage possible," he continued.
