Women are far more likely to seek support after being diagnosed with cancer, while men wait until they are in “desperate need”, according to a leading charity. The research published by Maggie’s today (Thursday) effectively shows how important it is for the Daily Express Cancer Care campaign to succeed. Our campaign is calling for all cancer patients to have access to mental health support both during and after treatment.

Despite men being diagnosed with just over half of cancers in the UK, only 36% of people who seek help at Maggie’s cancer support centres are men, the charity says. Of the men who did seek support, more than a third (37%) were facing an incurable diagnosis. The charity, which backs the Daily Express Cancer Care campaign, said this suggests that men are “more reticent and waiting until they are in desperate need”.

It said that in 2024, Maggie’s supported 327,405 “visits” across its 24 centres, but of these visits, only just over a third (118,470) were made by men, which, while an improvement on the previous year, is “disproportionately low”.

A recent online survey by the charity of 500 men living with cancer found that 42% had not asked for support. One in five (21%) said they did not want to talk about their feelings, and 14% said they felt “too embarrassed” to ask for help.

Maggie’s chief executive Dame Laura Lee said: “Too many men are still not seeking the support they deserve and, of those that do come to Maggie’s, many are only doing so when their situation becomes desperate and they are faced with an incurable diagnosis.

“We are here to support people from the moment they are diagnosed with cancer, throughout treatment and beyond, and we are urging men to reach out earlier on in their journey so Maggie’s can help them, and their loved ones, navigate the emotional and practical challenges of the disease.”

And in a piece for the Daily Express, she said: “Patients may not be aware of the support available to them. That is why we are supporting the Daily Express’s Cancer Care campaign petition urging medical teams to ensure their cancer patients have access to mental health support throughout their cancer experience.

“Later this year the Government will publish its’ 10-year plan to reform NHS care. This will be a huge opportunity to drive improvements in how we deliver cancer care, including ensuring that future cancer care meets the psychological needs of patients as well as their physical needs.

“With one in two of us expected to be diagnosed with cancer at some point in our lives and the latest data suggesting the number of people living with cancer in the UK will hit 3.4million this year, this feels more important than ever. People with cancer can and should continue to be valued members of our society.”