1. Engaging Men in Health Messages
Rebecca Porta
Chief Executive
Orchid
28 March 2017

2. Male cancer affects us all
Over 50,000 men in the UK will be diagnosed with a male specific cancer - prostate, testicular or penile cancer - in the next 12 months.
Behind each statistic is a man; a father, son, brother, grandfather or friend, and behind each man there are family, friends and colleagues who are affected by these uniquely male cancers.

3. Orchid: Who we are and what we do
Orchid Cancer Appeal was founded in 1996 by testicular patient Colin Osborne and the oncologist who saved his life, Professor Tim Oliver.
The charity exists to save men’s lives from prostate, testicular and penile cancer through a world class research programme, education and awareness campaigns and a range of support services including:
Male Cancer Information Nurse Specialists.
National Male Cancer Helpline and service.
Prostate Cancer Nurse (Big Lottery - Reaching Communities Programme grant).
Testicular Cancer Telephone Counselling Service.
A portfolio of publications and resources.
Community Golf Programme.
Roadshows.
Testicular cancer microsite “Your Privates” and Schools Resource Pack.
Website.
Newsletter.

4. Barriers: what are the barriers to accessing health services and seeking an early diagnosis?
Poor understanding of specific diseases.
Poor understanding of how specific diseases are diagnosed and treated.
Symptoms will “go away”.
Fear of being diagnosed with a serious illness.
“Not relevant to me”.
Cultural differences e.g. religious beliefs, cultural taboos and attitude to care.
Work patterns and booking an appointment to see a healthcare professionals.
Language and literacy skills e.g. access to interpreting services.
Gender of healthcare professionals.
Engaging with the healthcare professionals.
Poor understanding of the NHS and the range of services provided.

5. Barriers: the key findings
“Help seeking behaviours”. Men are more reluctant to seek help compared to women. They may disregard symptoms. They may be reluctant to take time off to seek help.
Masculinity and stigma. Embarrassment and not being “manly”.
Visibility. Men aren’t seen as role models in health or delivering care.
Knowledge of health and illness.
Hard to reach communities.
Gender.

6. Engaging men: what are the options?
Activities or events linked to sports or social events.
Easy to access activities or events in an informal, relaxed and welcoming environment.
Find information and support with friends, family and partners.
Volunteers and Ambassadors sharing experiences and offering peer to peer support.
Access information and support via a healthcare professional in a relaxed, friendly environment.
Work in partnership with other organisations, GPs practices, CCGs, “gatekeepers” etc.
Be flexible and look for opportunities.

7. Reaching men: Orchid Male Cancer Awareness Roadshows
The Orchid Roadshow programme launched in It offers men and their families an opportunity to:
Access information and support in an informal, relaxed and welcoming environment.
Gender friendly.
Access information and support anonymously.
Access information and support in a non-medical environment.
Access information and support without the need for an appointment.
Access information and support if considering a GP visit or when undergoing further tests.

8. Roadshows…second time around
For men and their families who may be visiting the Roadshow for the second time, there is an opportunity to:
Review or discuss information received at a previous Roadshow.
Seek support if considering or preparing for a GP visit.
Find support when undergoing testing.
Seek information on support groups, national and local services.
Discuss outcomes from a visit to the GP.

9. Feedback from visitors at the Roadshows
“I didn’t really understand my diagnosis and didn’t want to trouble the GP for information so it’s been good to have someone talk me through my cancer.”
A wife and her daughter asked about signs and symptoms to pass on to their husband/father as they were certain he would be reluctant to go to see a doctor.
Three men felt that their GP dismissed their concerns as they were too old.
“It’s been great to talk for so long and not feel rushed like at the GPs”
A high percentage of men didn’t realise they were entitled to request a PSA test from their doctor.

10. Learnings Gender specific. Role models. Hard to reach communities.
Consultation - target groups.
Accessibility and “hooks” eg tools and resources.
Peer to peer support.
Time.
Signpost.
Build relationships and partnerships.

11. Black African and Caribbean Men: prostate cancer
Poor understanding of prostate cancer.
Poor understanding of how prostate cancer is diagnosed and treated.
Symptoms will “go away”.
“Not relevant to me”.
Sex and relationships.
Fear of being diagnosed with a serious illness.
Cultural differences e.g. religious beliefs, cultural taboos and attitude to care.
Reluctance to seek help.
Language and literacy skills e.g. access to interpreting services.
Work patterns and accessing care.
Fear of the healthcare professionals.
Poor understanding of the NHS and the range of services provided.

12. Changing Lives – engaging black African and Caribbean men at risk of or affected by prostate cancer
Funded by the Big Lottery - Reaching Communities Programme, this important three year project aims to raise awareness of prostate cancer amongst black African and Caribbean men and disadvantaged communities.
Working in partnership with the charity Cancer Black Care we will raise awareness of the disease and offer support and information to men and their families.
The project will focus specifically on six London boroughs namely; Brent, Lewisham, Lambeth, Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Newham.
The project will include Roadshows, support groups and face-to-face meetings, posters and publications as well as tools for healthcare professionals.

13. Contact www. orchid-cancer. org
Contact Orchid National Male Cancer Helpline Tel Tel

14. Thank You