The six vital questions that every man must ask his father … NOW

He has been with you all your life.

But how often do you really sit down and speak to your father? And we do not want to talk about footy!

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Men are notoriously bad to open, especially when it comes to their health.

But a quick ten minute discussion with your dad around a beer could save your life, said the Movember Foundation's experts at The Sun.

It sounds dramatic, maybe! But the reality is that not only could this alert you to cancer in your family, but it could also help you monitor your father's mental health.

Sarah Caghlan, Global Director of Health Promotion at the Movember Foundation, shares the six questions to ask your father, now …

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1. Did your father or brother have testicular cancer?

It's pretty easy to talk about "balls" with your dad, so that's a good place to start.

Sarah told the Sun: "The guys always put their hands in their pants and they are aware of their balls from an early age, so there's no better place to start."

But, very seriously, testicular cancer runs in families – so a simple discussion with your father could really make the difference between life and death.

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"If you have a direct genetic connection to someone who has had testicular cancer, your father or brother eight times more risk of developing the disease, "said Sarah.

It's also worth asking your father questions about his grandfather and uncles – although the genetic risk mitigates the distant relative, she added.

If you have a direct genetic link to someone who has had testicular cancer, then your father or brother is eight times more likely to develop the disease.

Sarah Caghlan, Global Director of Health Promotion, Movember Foundation

So, why is it important to have this cat as soon as possible?
While most cancers develop with age, testicular cancer is different.

"It's a young man's disease," Sarah warned.

"That's why it's worth it to a guy in his twenties or thirties, now ask his father.

"It's a highly treatable disease, with a high success rate, so it does not have to be scary.

"But it's so important to know about it – if you act early, it does not have to be a scary disease."

The disease is quite rare, "so we're not talking about big numbers," added Sarah, but for people at risk, it's critical to detect it as early as possible, when it can be treated.

In recent years, scientists at the Institute of Cancer have studied the genetic link.

They have separated the gene that seems to them to be responsible, in the hope that any discovery will facilitate the development of new treatments.

2. Do I have balls not lowered at birth?

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It is very common for baby boys to be born with the testicles in the wrong place.

About one in 25 boys is born with undescended testicles, and it is these men who really need to talk to their father (or mother).

Sarah explained, "There is some evidence that men whose testicles do not descend at birth have an increased risk of testicular cancer."

And she added, there is no need to be embarrbaded.

"Testicular cancer would not even get into embarrbading bodies," she said.

If men are afraid to feel embarrbaded in front of their doctor, the simple message to remember is that no, they have already seen – and much worse – before.

"The symptoms vary from one man to another, it's about regularly checking your balls and knowing what is normal for your nuts.

"If you feel a pea-sized bump, or sensitivity, bumps and bumps that did not exist before, have them checked.

"If we feel bad over there and we have not done it yet, we ask the men to act."

3. Have you ever been diagnosed with prostate cancer? And your father?

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When it comes to men's health, prostate cancer is one of the deadliest.

While most men are happy to discuss their balls, when it comes to the gland that is at the bottom, they are much less likely to open.

"Prostate cancer is very different from testicular cancer," said Sarah at Sun Online.

"Bullets are part of the life of a young boy who is growing up.

"But prostate cancer is very different, it is still quite taboo.

"There are still men who have not told their family that they have prostate cancer until it's too late."

"With regard to this disease, knowledge is really power."

Sarah warned men with a genetic connection and family history of the disease – so if their father or brother is affected – are two and a half times more likely to be diagnosed themselves.

So, what does it mean if your father has had prostate cancer?

Sarah explained that if that was the case, a man should discuss with his doctor about his PSA level at the age of 45.

And if two members of your family have had the disease, you must have this conversation with your doctor from age 40.

"Prostate cancer is considered an old man's disease," said Sarah. "But the reality is that you are not very old in your forties.

"This really highlights the genetic risk and why you need to have these conversations with your father."

Although the risk is higher, prostate cancer does not have to be a death sentence, but you must act.

"If you detect prostate cancer located in the prostate, your chances of survival are 98%," said Sarah.

"If she leaves the prostate and is aggressive, you have less than a 26% chance of surviving.

"It's a very significant difference."

4. Do you know your PSA score?

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Let's be clear. Forget about the horror stories you've heard about doctors putting their finger on their backs!

With regard to prostate cancer, you will probably need a PSA test.

And men from all over the country will have a sigh of relief when they hear it is a blood test.

"We are not saying that every man has to pbad a PSA test, but every man should have this conversation with his doctor," said Sarah.

"It's a blood test and so if it happens, it's not scary."

The PSA test is not 100% accurate and the results may indicate inflammation of the prostate rather than cancer, but this is the most common way to detect the disease.

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It can be performed at the general practitioner and measures the level of a key protein, PSA, in your blood.

High levels could be a sign of cancer, but may indicate other problems, which explains the lack of a national screening program in the NHS.

Sarah said that one of Movember Foundation's biggest investments is research to find more accurate tests for the disease.

But one of the most important things about a PSA test, said Sarah, is to discuss with your father about it.

By raising the subject, you can encourage him to talk with his doctor and make sure he's on his radar.

"Many men will say," I'm only 60, I do not need that yet, "she said.

"But the younger generation can help push change and, by asking their father, they can make the subject much less taboo."

5. How are you?

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It seems so simple to take the time to ask your father how he is doing. But that could make all the difference.

"It's a bridge that really connects the mind and the body," said Sarah.

"Men tend to treat things silently, to harden them, to be stoic, but that does not serve them particularly well."

A number of life events, including retirement, the loss of a job, the breakdown of a marriage or a romantic relationship, can have profound repercussions on one's health. mental of a man.

They can be isolated and alone.

"Friendships and relationships are really important," said Sarah.

"This is the most important protective factor for mental health.

"Women are good at developing and maintaining friendships, but men are not doing so much."

"It's at this point that a son can step in and suggest his father go out with his friends, catch up on a golf shot or have a drink."

The stereotype is that men do not speak, but will have the right environment. It's empowering them, said Sarah.

"Check to see if your dad has a group of friends he can count on, maybe he will suggest ways to strengthen those friendships or strengthen them.

"Make sure that he realizes the importance of relationships in his life and the importance of giving them time."

6. How often do you move?

This question is not about getting your dad to the gym!

However, it will not hurt to gently ask how much physical activity it does – and encourage it to be more active.

This can be as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or walking the dog every day.

Every physical activity you can add to your day will help you.

"As we age, we slow down," said Sarah.

"But physical activity is so important to the mind that for the body, it creates a bridge between the two."

In addition, by raising the issue of your father's exercise levels, you will naturally raise awareness and help solve other health problems, including heart disease and other cancers.

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