Evans, R.E.C. and Brotherstone, H.J. and Miles, Anne and Wardle, J. (2005) Gender differences in early detection of cancer. Journal of Men's Health and Gender 2 (2), pp. 209-217. ISSN 1571-8913.
Abstract
Men have higher levels of cancer incidence and mortality than women. Although this disparity is mainly due to their poorer use of primary prevention strategies, sex differences in early detection practices may also be a contributing factor. We reviewed evidence for differences in the prompt presentation of symptoms and the uptake of screening behaviours between men and women. We found men engage in self-examination less frequently, and are more likely to delay reporting cancer symptoms to a doctor. Evidence concerning their adherence to cancer screening was mixed, with some data showing that men may be as interested in attending screening as women. Delay in symptom presentation and less self-examination are probably due to men's lower levels of awareness of cancer, poorer knowledge of cancer warning signs, and relatively low contact with health professionals which might preclude opportunities to promote cancer detection behaviours. More data is needed about gender differences in screening uptake before concluding that special efforts are needed to encourage men to attend. Although aspects of the male gender role may conflict with participation in positive healthy behaviours and help seeking, efforts must be made to increase awareness, understanding and adherence among men if they are to share the health rewards screening and early detection can bring.
Metadata
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| School: | Birkbeck Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Science > School of Psychological Sciences |
| Depositing User: | Sarah Hall |
| Date Deposited: | 07 Jan 2020 16:02 |
| Last Modified: | 02 Aug 2023 17:56 |
| URI: | https://eprints.bbk.ac.uk/id/eprint/30531 |
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