We often pride ourselves on being the rock for our families—the providers, the fixers, the ones who ‘just get on with it.’ But when it comes to our own health, are we really doing enough to protect that rock?

Recent research from Bupa reveals a concerning truth: a huge proportion of men in the UK are dangerously unaware of their personal cancer risk, and this lack of knowledge is putting lives at risk.

This isn't about being scared; it's about being informed. It’s about ensuring we’re here for our kids and grandkids for as long as possible. The evidence shows we need to drop the 'tough guy' act and get proactive.

The Hard-Hitting Facts: We Don't Know Our Risk

The key finding from Bupa's survey of 3,000 UK men is a massive wake-up call: two in five (41%) men don’t know if they are more likely to develop cancer.

Worse still, the specific factors that increase our risk are being widely ignored:

• Family History: Nearly half (44%) of men are unaware that a family history of cancer can increase their personal risk.
• Genetics & Ethnicity: Two-thirds (66%) don't realise that someone's ethnicity or genes can significantly impact their likelihood of developing cancer.

This knowledge gap is directly linked to prevention. If we don’t know we’re at higher risk, we won’t take the necessary steps, like earlier screening or proactive conversations with a GP.

Prostate Cancer: The High-Risk Warning for Dads

The most common cancer in men—and recently the most common cancer overall in England—is Prostate Cancer. And for some groups, the risk is alarmingly high:

• The general risk for men in the UK is one in eight.
• For Black men, this risk doubles to one in four.
• If your father or brother has had prostate cancer, your risk is increased by two and a half times.

As Dr. Tim Woodman, Medical Director for Cancer Services at Bupa, notes: "Knowing your family's history of cancer and understanding the influence of your age and ethnicity can help you take proactive steps, like getting screened early and accessing timely treatment if it's needed."

The Barrier to Checking

Despite these risks, a massive barrier remains: the fear of the test.

• Two out of three (65%) men shy away from getting tested for prostate cancer.
• One in 10 (11%) admit they are embarrassed about an intimate exam.

This is critical because the first step is often a simple PSA blood test, not necessarily an intimate exam. We can't let awkwardness stop a life-saving check.

Your Action Plan: Don't Wait for Symptoms

The positive news is that prostate cancer is highly treatable when caught early. Alec Wightman, a 70-year-old survivor, shares: "The earlier you find it, the easier it is to treat."

However, for prostate cancer, symptoms often don't appear until the cancer is at a later, more difficult-to-treat stage. Waiting for a change in your body is simply not good enough.

Here is what you, as a Dad, can do right now:

Know Your Three Main Risk Factors: Your risk increases if you are:

1. Over 50 years old.
2. A Black man (or of mixed Black ethnicity).
3. Have a family history of prostate cancer (father or brother).

Check Your Risk in 30 Seconds: Prostate Cancer UK and Bupa have launched a partnership to help. Use their simple online tool to get a clear picture of your personal risk.

Talk to Your GP: If you fall into any of the high-risk groups (especially Black men over 45 or men over 50), you have the right to request a PSA blood test. Don't wait for symptoms—request the test.

Your health is not just about you. It’s about the family you want to be there for. Let's start the conversation and get checked.

Need to know your risk? You can check your Prostate Cancer risk online in just 30 seconds by visiting prostatecanceruk.org/bupa-risk.