Male Cancer Awareness Week 2021 Begins

This week, the UK marks Male Cancer Awareness Week 2021, which lasts from 13-19 September.

It’s a chance to raise awareness of cancers affecting men. Organized by the UK’s leading male cancer charity Orchid, the annual event normally features a number of events to get people involved.

But this year’s awareness week looks a bit different because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Orchid has said that because of the necessary restrictions, many planned events have had to be postponed.

There are still plenty of ways to raise awareness and funds for male cancers, though.

What are male cancers?

Male cancers are those that affect men. They are penile cancer, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

These different types of cancer don’t all affect the same groups of men. For example, men over 50 are more likely to develop prostate cancer, while men in their early 30s are most likely to get testicular cancer.

They also affect men in different numbers. Penile cancer affects around 670 men every year, making it very rare. More men get testicular cancer – around 2,300 men every year.

But prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK. Around 48,500 men are diagnosed with the disease every year. Cancer Research UK has said that over the last 10 years, more men have developed prostate cancer. This could be down to the population getting older and more men being tested.

Marking Male Cancer Awareness Week

Although we are now emerging from the worst of the pandemic, with children returning to schools and workers heading back into offices, many organisations are postponing their in-person events until they feel that they’re safer.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t raise awareness and funds this week.

Orchid has suggested taking part in one of its virtual events, which can be done anywhere and at any time. It’s suggested a number of physical challenges, from a 5k run to a marathon. You could get your family involved and go for a bike ride or get involved in a plank or press-up challenge.

Bake sales, collections, parties and poker nights are other ways to raise funds for important cancer research into male cancers, as well as help provide support for men who have been diagnosed with these diseases.

The pandemic’s effect on cancer care

Cancer treatment has been hit particularly hard by the pandemic. People have delayed getting medical help for suspected cancer, while treatments have often been delayed for those who have looked for help.

But the pandemic is not the only reason your cancer may have been diagnosed late.

If you’ve suffered from cancer that could have been diagnosed earlier or was misdiagnosed, you may have experienced medical negligence. First4Lawyers could help you make a claim for compensation, which could be helpful during your recovery or make you more comfortable.

To find out how we can stand up for you, just give us a call or start your claim online.