Dr Charlie Middle talks men’s health on BBC Radio
Wessex Private GP Dr Charlie Middle discussed all things men’s health today with Katie Martin on BBC Radio Solent in aid of Movember.
Dr Middle explained than men are getting better at seeking advice or asking questions when things don’t feel quite right, but could do better still.
“The stigma has been taken out of certain men’s health problems, for example, talking about depression, talking about your mood, and talking about more intimate areas and cancers of those areas is becoming more common, I think there is also certainly a move to get rid of the bravado that surrounds men and their health and to actually open up and talk about it. The charity Movember has been very proactive in enabling people to talk about their health and opening up opportunities to explore men’s mental health.
“We do have a habit of ignoring our health problems, particularly for men. We’re talking about testicular cancer, which is a common cancer, the most common cancer in younger people. And as females are aware of their own breast tissue, men should be aware of their own testicular tissue and examine themselves once a month in the shower. And if they notice any differences or any problems, then they should seek medical help.
“And I would say that if you do ring a GP or contact your GP remotely and say you’ve got a lump in your testicle, you will not be asked to wait for eight weeks, you will be seen promptly. It’s best to get it checked and get reassurance.
“The other problem is prostate cancer, which is very common in men, particularly older men. One in eight men get prostate cancer and one in 41 men die of prostate cancer. It’s important to be aware if you’re at increased risk of that disease. If you’ve got a family history of prostate cancer or if you’re of Afro-Caribbean extraction, you are at increased risk and therefore you ought to take medical advice from your GP and start the process of screening, which will start with a blood test and maybe further investigations following that.
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