Why we can’t forget about cancer this Men’s Health Week

16th June 2020

We are great supporters of Men's Health Week and its important and poignant campaigns year on year. This year’s message is particularly relevant - that men are twice as likely to die from coronavirus than women, especially if they have an underlying health condition, such as cancer. But we know that this isn’t the only health concern that men in the UK are facing – they are also more likely to be diagnosed with and die from cancer.

Coronavirus has halted many aspects of our lives, but cancer carries on

That's why we can't forget about cancer this Men's Health Week. To help us raise awareness of these saddening trajectories, we spoke to Outlander star Craig McGinlay and our Chair of the Board, and ex-Scotland rugby captain, David Sole OBE. Here's what they had to say about this important issue...

David Sole OBE

"In Scotland, while there are more cancer cases in women, the risk of cancer is higher in men. In Scotland alone, around 45 men are diagnosed with cancer each day, with the most common cancers in men being prostate, lung and bowel. These cancer types alone make up 53% of all cancers in men.

We need to keep making breakthroughs in order to save lives and stop suffering, and cancer research must be a priority so that we don't lose out on new cancer cures. It’s important for us to be aware of the damage the virus is doing, but we can’t forget the shocking statistics for men year-on-year.

I hope that men in Scotland continue to take their health seriously and look after themselves first and foremost this Men’s Health Week. Cancer won’t stop during or after coronavirus – and neither should we. This pandemic, like cancer, is tearing us apart. But here at Worldwide Cancer Research, we know research will bring us back together."

Craig McGinlay

"In order to see an improvement, us men should familiarise ourselves with the common signs of cancer and contact our GPs with any symptoms*. It’s important to remember that when caught early, cancer treatment is more likely to be successful.

I saw my mum grow really unwell after her cancer diagnosis and I’m so grateful that she’s ok now. She’s a fighter, but I know this wouldn’t have been the case without cancer research. Sadly, my grandfather wasn’t as lucky.”

Please support Worldwide Cancer Research this Men’s Health Week so that we can start new cancer cures and stop the suffering caused by cancer."

*For a full list of symptoms to look out for, please visit the NHS website.

Since lockdown, much of our fundraising has stopped and our lifesaving research is at risk. Yet, cancer carries on.

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