Men’s Health

This page covers:

Physical Health
Prostate health and prostate cancer awareness
Testicular health and self-examination
Penile health and concerns
Accessing healthcare as a man with CP

Mental Health
Common mental health challenges for men with CP
Strategies for wellbeing and connecting with others
Support groups and resources

What is the problem?

Men with Cerebral Palsy often face specific challenges around accessing appropriate healthcare. These can include physical accessibility issues, communication barriers, and the stigma around discussing intimate health concerns.

Men in general tend to be less likely to seek healthcare than women, and this reluctance can be magnified for men with disabilities. This means that important health screenings and checks may be missed, potentially leaving serious conditions undetected until they become more advanced.

Understanding your body and being aware of men’s health issues is particularly important. Early detection of health problems gives the best chance of successful treatment.

Key Men’s Health Issues

Prostate Health

The prostate is a small gland about the size of a walnut, located between the bladder and the penis. It surrounds the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder through the penis).

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK. In January 2024, it was announced that prostate cancer has become the most common cancer in the UK overall, surpassing breast cancer. Around 55,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year in the UK, and approximately 12,000 men die from it annually.

One in eight men will develop prostate cancer during their lifetime, but 80% of men with prostate cancer survive for at least 10 years, making early detection vital.

Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer:

• Age: The risk increases as you get older, particularly over age 50
• Family history: Having a father, brother or son who had prostate cancer doubles your risk
• Ethnicity: Men of African or African-Caribbean descent have a higher risk (1 in 4 compared to 1 in 8 in the general population)
• Genetic factors: Carrying certain genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 increases risk

Signs and Symptoms:

• Difficulty passing urine
• Needing to urinate more frequently, especially at night
• Weak flow of urine
• Blood in urine or semen
• Discomfort in the pelvic area

It’s important to note that early prostate cancer often has no symptoms, which is why regular check-ups are important, especially if you’re in a higher risk group.

Detection and Testing:

The PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test can help detect potential prostate issues, though it isn’t 100% reliable on its own. Men aged 50 or over can ask their GP for a free PSA test even without symptoms.

A physical examination of the prostate (known as a Digital Rectal Examination or DRE) may also be recommended to check for abnormalities. While some men find this uncomfortable, it is a quick procedure and an important part of proper prostate assessment.

Testicular Health

Testicular cancer is less common than prostate cancer, with around 2,400 men diagnosed yearly in the UK. It most often affects men between 15 and 45 years of age, making it particularly important for younger men to be aware of.

The good news is that testicular cancer has a very high cure rate, with 95% of men making a full recovery, especially when detected early.

Risk Factors:

• Age: Most common between ages 15-45
• Family history: Risk increases if your father or brother had testicular cancer
• Previous undescended testicle, even if corrected in childhood
• Height: Some studies suggest very tall men may have a slightly increased risk

Signs and Symptoms:

• A lump or swelling in the testicle
• A heavy feeling in the scrotum
• Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
• Differences between one testicle and the other

Self-Examination:

Regular self-examination is key to early detection. It’s recommended that men check their testicles once a month, ideally during or after a warm bath or shower when the scrotum is relaxed.

How to perform a testicular self-examination:

1. Hold your scrotum in the palm of your hand
2. Use your fingers and thumb to examine each testicle
3. Feel for lumps, swellings, or changes in size, shape or consistency
4. Remember that it’s normal for one testicle to be larger than the other

If you have a physical disability that makes self-examination difficult, ask your GP or a trusted healthcare provider to help you develop a regular checking routine.

Penile Health

Penile cancer is rare, with approximately 760 men diagnosed each year in the UK. However, awareness of potential issues is still important.

Risk Factors:

• Age: More common in men over 50
• Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection
• Phimosis (tight foreskin)
• Smoking
• Compromised immune system (such as from HIV)

Signs and Symptoms:

• Rash or persistent red patch on the penis
• Small crusty bumps
• Ulcer or sore that might bleed
• Discharge or bleeding
• Thickening of the skin
• Change in skin colour

If you notice any of these changes, it’s important to see your doctor promptly.

Mental Health

Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall wellbeing. Men with Cerebral Palsy may face additional challenges that can impact their mental health, including:

• Higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to the general population
• Social isolation
• Pain management issues
• Sleep difficulties
• Challenges with independence

Andy’s Man Club is a UK-wide organisation offering free, non-judgmental spaces for men to talk and receive peer support. They have over 260 clubs across the UK and welcome men from all backgrounds and abilities.

These clubs meet every Monday at 7pm (except bank holidays) and provide a safe environment where men can share their experiences, challenges, and feelings without fear of judgment.

How do we manage it?

Physical Health Management

General Health Advice:

• Regular check-ups: Schedule regular visits with your GP, particularly as you age
• Be aware of your body: Learn what’s normal for you so you can notice changes
• Diet and lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet, limit alcohol consumption, and don’t smoke
• Physical activity: Regular exercise appropriate to your abilities can help maintain overall health
• Speak up: Don’t hesitate to discuss health concerns with your doctor

Accessing Healthcare:

For men with Cerebral Palsy, accessing appropriate healthcare can sometimes be challenging. Here are some strategies:

• Be direct: When booking appointments, clearly state if you have specific access needs
• Bring support: If helpful, bring a trusted person to appointments
• Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if you don’t understand something
• Request longer appointments: If you need more time to communicate or get on and off examination tables
• Self-advocate: Be clear about your symptoms and concerns, and don’t downplay issues

Prostate Cancer Screening:

• If you’re over 50, consider asking your GP about PSA testing
• If you have a family history or are of African/African-Caribbean descent, discuss earlier screening with your doctor
• Know that both the PSA test and digital rectal examination are important for proper assessment

Testicular Self-Examination:

• Make this a regular monthly routine
• If physical limitations make self-examination difficult, discuss with your healthcare provider how this can be incorporated into your care plan
• Remember that early detection significantly improves outcomes

Mental Health Management

• Consider joining a peer support group like Andy’s Man Club
• Speak to your GP about any mental health concerns
• Look into online support communities for men with Cerebral Palsy
• Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness