Cancer support services fail men

Support services for people with cancer are not meeting the needs of male patients, a small UK study has suggested.

Ulster University researchers, who interviewed eight male patients with cancer aged 36–70, found only one had attended a support group.

Although men wanted specific information and practical advice, they found it difficult to talk openly about their condition and saw support groups as 'more for women to talk about their problems'.

Lead author Eilis McCaughan, lecturer in cancer nursing at the university, said more flexible options were needed. 'The study clearly shows the need for cancer support services to develop greater gender sensitivity and take account of male values,' she said.