35% of men have delayed or avoided speaking to a healthcare professional about potential prostate issues, according to a study by Vista Health in the UK.

16% of men who participated in the survey put off a doctor’s visit did so out of embarrassment, and the poll also found that 27% of men can name more Formula 1 World Champions than signs of prostate issues.

GP from Ennis Centric Health Dr Maire Finn told Lunchtime Live that the results of the study are “a bit of a simplistic answer” to the issue of men avoiding the doctor.

“One of the reasons I think for that is the fact that women, from a very young age, have to attend because they may have problems with their periods, they may be looking for contraceptive control,” she said.

“So, they often have a very good, well-established relationship with their GP; so it’s easy for them.

“There isn’t an embarrassment factor, and it’s considered part of the normal management of health, whereas men that doesn’t happen for.”

Dr Finn said that while there are many formal health screenings relating to women’s health, there are none specifically for men’s health, which contributes to the issue.

She also said that since products to treat male-specific issues such as erectile dysfunction are often available over the counter, men can often treat their symptoms without booking a consultation.

Mature Male Patient In Consultation With Doctor In Office

Caller John told the show that he would “implore any man” to “get over” the embarrassment and go to the doctors for a check-up.

“Unfortunately, going back 25 years ago, I lost one of my friends who was only 36 years of age,” he said.

“He died from bowel cancer; he would not go to the doctor.

“His wife implored him, nearly went down on her knees.

“He had this thing, ‘No, there’s nothing wrong with me, I’ll be okay’, and he went into the ground at 36 years of age.”

John said he would encourage men, particularly those over 50 who have been putting off a doctor's visit, to start by going in for a blood test.

Main image: Patient suffering from stress, eye pain and migraine visiting doctor at hospital. Alamy.com