- New research from Bupa shows that talking about family health history could help men uncover inherited prostate cancer risk and save lives by enabling early diagnosis
- Genomic analysis from Bupa’s My Genomic Health programme reveals one in three men tested have above average genetic risk for prostate cancer, highlighting how risks can remain hidden
- Bupa is urging families to start conversations about cancer and family health history, helping unlock earlier checks, monitoring and better outcomes
New data from Bupa reveals why men should talk about their family health history, including the risk of prostate cancer, so vital chances for earlier diagnosis and treatment are not missed. The findings come from a study of more than 8,000 adults globally, alongside analysis from Bupa’s genomic health trial.
Men are almost twice as likely as women to have never spoken to a family member about genetic health risk. Almost a fifth (18%) say they’ve never had these conversations, compared with just 10% of women.
This hesitancy from men is clear when it comes to prostate cancer specifically: just 19% have discussed whether it runs in the family. By contrast, a third of women (32%) say they have talked about whether breast cancer runs in their family.
The potential impact of these conversations is visible in genetic data. Analysis from Bupa’s My Genomic Health programme found that approximately one in three men tested showed above-average genetic risk for prostate cancer, supporting earlier awareness and prevention.
The research shows that despite a lack of conversations, most men acknowledge that knowing more about their family health history could be lifesaving, with nearly three-quarters of men (74%) saying family health conversations are important. Out of all family members, they are most likely to speak to their mother (55%) followed by their father (39%). Only 13% have had conversations with grandparents - though that generation often holds the clearest picture of long-term inherited cancer risk.
If they don’t know their risk, men may be less likely to seek earlier checks or monitoring. This matters because the World Health Organization reports that many cancers have a high chance of successful treatment when detected early. Delayed diagnosis often means disease is found at a more advanced stage, when treatment options are more limited and outcomes are poorer.
Prostate cancer is one of the cancers most strongly linked to family history, with men who have a close relative diagnosed at up to double the risk compared with the general population, underlining why these conversations are critical for early detection.
Professor Melvin Samsom, Chief Medical Officer at Bupa, said: “Family history remains one of the strongest indicators of cancer risk, and more open family health conversations could help men identify inherited risk earlier. Starting the conversation sooner can unlock screening and support before cancer develops. Bupa is encouraging men and families to talk more openly about cancer and family health history, so genetic risk is understood earlier rather than discovered too late.”
Clinical psychologist Dr Sherry Pagoto, who worked with Bupa on the research, added that simple steps can help men start conversations about family cancer history:
- Lead with curiosity, not concern - ask questions to learn, not to worry
- Pick the right moment - choose a calm, private setting
- Normalise the topic - make health discussions as natural as talking about finances or future plans
- Focus on empowerment - understanding your risk is about control, not fear
The importance of sharing genetic insights early is reflected in the experience of Stephen Ledsham, a participant in Bupa’s My Genomic Health programme. He found out he was at high risk of prostate cancer and shared the results with both his twin brother and his dad. The conversation led to his dad getting tested and being diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer.
Stephen said, “My report showed I’m at high risk of prostate cancer. I shared the result with my twin brother and my dad, which sparked a family conversation about health that we wouldn’t have otherwise had. As a result my dad went for a test and was diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer; he’s now in treatment. Having my genomic test results to point to, made it much easier for us all to talk, act quickly, and watch for symptoms. It’s also changed my habits; I now plan annual checks and staying alert to any signs".
About Bupa’s Global Genomics Programme
Bupa aims to deliver 250,000 genetic tests by the end of 2027. These will include pharmacogenomic testing (Medication Check), polygenic risk testing, and whole-genome sequencing. It identifies risk of disease across more than 36 conditions including 10 cancers. Results from an initial programme of whole-genome sequencing for 14,000 customers across the UK, Spain and Poland are:
So far:
- 77% of participants have elevated polygenic risk (e.g. for diabetes, hypertension).
- 5% have high-risk monogenic variants linked to cancers and CVD.
- Nearly 100% carry genetic variants that affect medication response:
- 58% unsuited to common prescribed blood thinners such as acenocoumarol, fenprocumon, and warfarin, which are used to treat thrombosis, heart attacks, and strokes.
- 28% unsuited to common prescribed antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications.
- Genetic data generated through Bupa’s genomic programmes is used solely to support personalised healthcare and preventive action. Bupa does not use genetic data to set insurance premiums and complies with all applicable local laws and ethical codes.
Notes to editors
About Bupa
Established in 1947, Bupa's purpose is helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world. We are an international healthcare company serving over 60 million customers worldwide. With no shareholders, we reinvest profits into providing more and better healthcare for the benefit of current and future customers. Bupa has businesses around the world, principally in Australia, the UK, Spain, Poland, Chile, Hong Kong SAR, India, Türkiye, Brazil, Mexico and New Zealand. We also have associate businesses in Saudi Arabia.
Methodology
- Research conducted by Ipsos in the UK on behalf of Bupa among a representative quota sample 8,365 adults across the UK (2,143), Australia (2,000), Spain (2,110) and Poland (2,112) using its online omnibus. Fieldwork took place between 5th to 19th September 2025. The sample obtained is representative of the population with interlocking quotas on age within gender, and quotas on region and working status. The data has been weighted to the known offline population proportions within each market.
- Analysis from Bupa’s My Genomic Health programme has found that around one in three men tested had an increased genetic risk of developing prostate cancer compared with the population average. Genetic data generated through Bupa’s genomic programmes is used solely to support personalised healthcare and preventive action. Bupa does not use genetic data to set insurance premiums and complies with all applicable local laws and ethical codes. Polygenic risk score (PRS) measures the component of disease risk across multiple parts of the genome. Lifetime risk of prostate cancer is calculated by comparing the tested individua’s PRS to a reference population. If the PRS is above the 82nd percentile is considered high risk because it confers greater than two times the average lifetime risk of disease. This threshold is set to support early awareness and prevention. Being above the 82nd percentile does not mean someone will develop prostate cancer. It means their genetic risk is higher than average and that earlier monitoring, lifestyle awareness, or conversations with a GP may be helpful. The aim is to surface risk that might otherwise remain hidden, so people can make informed decisions earlier, rather than discovering issues at a later stage.
