June 2001: everyman - male cancer awareness month

The main programme of press events and fundraising initiatives will take place during the month. However other events have been planned in the run up to June to encourage people to support the work of The Institute and the everyman campaign now and in the future.

Male Cancers - The facts

• 19,500 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed every year and this figure is on the increase. Prostate cancer is set to overtake both lung and breast cancer to become the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK by 2018.
• Testicular cancer is the most common cancer amongst young men aged between 15-35. Cases have risen by 70% in the last 20 years but the reasons for this have yet to be established.
• Despite a recent increase in awareness of male cancers, research conducted by the everyman campaign shows that men are still reluctant to discuss health concerns or worries, even with their doctor. In a recent MORI poll survey, GPs said that one in five men waits too long before visiting their doctor about a problem.
• Research into male cancers remains severely under-funded

The Male Cancer Research Centre

• The Institute of Cancer Research has recently established Europe's first dedicated male cancer research centre. To continue with vital research the scientists need £2million a year.

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For further media information about the everyman campaign, or for factsheets about male cancer, please call The Institute of Cancer Research press office on 020 7970 6030.