A new survey has revealed that parents are afraid to talk about possible health issues of concerns - including cancer - with their children.
Parent Struggling To Talk To Their Kids About Health Issues
A survey of 1000 parents by male cancer charity Orchid showed that 42% of parents do not discuss health issues with their children on a regular basis. A further 20% revealed that they don't touch upon this subject at all with their children.
This new survey has revealed that parents are not comfortable or confident about discussing these kinds of issues with their children - a whopping 76% revealed that they would prefer if their kids would see a GP rather than raise health-related issues with them.
A further 30% of parents revealed that they are uncomfortable talking about the likes of cancer, as they do not feel confident about discussing how to check for symptoms and signs of these serious conditions.
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer to affect young men, with over 2,200 men aged 15-44 diagnosed with the disease ever year.
This new survey has highlighted a communication problem between parents and children and Orchid want to encourage more parents to feel confident talking about these issues with their children.
Orchid Chief Executive Rebecca Porta comments "Awareness of testicular cancer has significantly improved over the past few years, but these concerning findings illustrate that many parents still don't feel equipped to discuss the topic with their children.
"Talking to your child about the signs and symptoms of serious health issues is extremely vital, especially when it comes to testicular cancer. If caught early, the disease can be 98% curable."
"Whilst it is reassuring that Britain's parents are quick to encourage their children to seek health advice from a GP, talking to your son openly about the signs and symptoms of testicular cancer could be crucial in leading to early detection of a lump or an abnormality."
In line with these findings Orchid have launched a new viral campaign with the support of Hunger Games star Alexander Ludwig. The video is a humorous take on a serious message; showing a father making numerous attempts to bring up the awkward subject of testicular cancer with his sons.