Letters: Men’s cancers are too often ignored in France

To the Editor,

I am writing about the interview with oncologist Ines Vaz-Luis, in which she discusses primarily breast cancer. 

I was disappointed that she ignored men’s cancers, such as prostate cancer.

It is a sad fact that in the UK, Europe, the US and Australia, men’s survival rates from cancer are lower than that of women, but more particularly, men suffer and die from prostate cancer at a greater or equal rate than women from breast cancer. 

Yet it scarcely receives a mention in the press, or similar advocacy and funding from the industry and our health services.

Why is this and what can be done to equalise the research, care, treatment and recognition of this insidious disease?

Jonathan Scanlen, Haute-Savoie

Read more: What essential health screenings are available for free in France?

To the Editor,

I write in response to Jonathan Scanlen's letter about men's cancers. 

We moved to France six years ago when I was already using tamsulosine for my prostate condition. 

Upon being assigned and meeting my médecin traitant, I was immediately referred to the urologist and I now have regular PSA blood tests and six-monthly prostate check-ups. 

It would seem that the postcode health lottery is not limited to the UK.

Peter Harries, Nievre

What is your experience of cancer care in France? Do you think that men's cancers are ignored? Let us know at letters@connexionfrance.com