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Men's health

Within DWP PCS we have always been proactive in giving advice to our women members regarding health issues.

The Equality Committee considered the lack of information available on Equality Matters regarding men’s health and have put together the following brief.

Over the past few years people have become more aware of the importance of self checking for certain health conditions. This page contains information on some health conditions that can affect men and that can be spotted early by self checking. Please read the articles and if you are concerned go to your doctor.

Testicular cancer

There are two main types of testicular cancer: seminoma and non-seminoma (including teratoma). The names refer to the type of cell that makes up the tumour.Cancer is one possible cause of testicular symptoms, but more often these symptoms are caused by infection, injury, or something else.

Causes of testicular cancer

The causes of testicular cancer are unknown. However, the number of men who develop it is increasing and research is being done to find out why.

Risk factors include:

  • being from a wealthier social group
  • being white
  • having a rare complication of mumps called orchitis (painful swelling of the testicles)
  • fertility problems
  • having a brother or father who had testicular cancer

Symptoms of testicular cancer

  • a pulling sensation or feeling of unusual heaviness in the scrotum
  • a dull ache in the groin or lower abdomen
  • feeling unwell and tired
  • A lump that is cancer can be as small as a pea, or may be much larger. It is not usually painful, but some men have a dull ache in the affected testicle, or in their lower abdomen. But most testicular lumps are NOT cancer
  • The most common symptom of a testicular cancer is a lump or swelling in part of one testicle.

It is very important that you see a doctor about any changes you notice in your testicles as soon as possible. This way the cause can be found and treated, if needed. Other conditions (besides cancer) that affect the testicles can still be serious and need to be treated.

Prostate Cancer

Every year in the UK an average of 35,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. Age is a significant factor with nearly 57% of cases being in men over 70 and it is very unusual in men under 50. It is now the most common cancer in men.

A lot of men may not be aware of any symptoms as cancer of the prostate can be very slow to grow in a majority of cases. However, the cancer can develop quickly in others. Some of the symptoms are:

  • Passing urine may be difficult
  • Rushing to the toilet to pass urine or passing urine more than usual
  • Blood in the urine or semen
  • Pain when passing urine

If you think you may have a problem go to your doctor as soon as possible. There is also a helpline run by the Prostate Cancer Charity on 0800 074 8383.

Men’s health – useful resources