“Hard-working” dads still in for Father’s Day treat despite credit crunch
21 June 2009
As a result of the credit crunch, 21 per cent of people in Britain will be spending less on presents for their dad on Father’s Day this year while 60 per cent are undeterred and will spend the same amount, according to survey results released today by the Everyman Male Cancer Campaign.
On average, Brits spend £39.15 a year on their dad for special occasions while mums do slightly better with an average of £47.15.
Results from the OnePoll also showed that 37 per cent of Brits believe the best way to bond with their dad on Father’s Day is by going to the pub together, while 27 per cent believe a country walk is the ideal setting for a heart to heart¹. Respondents also named a “hard-working” attitude as their dad’s best trait at 47 per cent followed by 36 per cent who admired their dad just for being a “genuine nice guy”².
The survey results coincide with Everyman’s 12th Male Cancer Awareness Month which is this year calling on people to ‘Turn Blue’ on 19 June – two days before Father’s Day – in an effort to raise £2million to fund the Everyman Centre which is Europe’s first and only centre dedicated to male cancer research. London’s City Hall has lead by example pledging to turn Trafalgar Square’s iconic fountain blue using its recently installed LED lights.
Prostate cancer kills 10,000 men in the UK each year which is one man every hour, while testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 15-44. Thanks to advances made at the Everyman Centre, testicular cancer has a 99 per cent cure rate if caught early enough so awareness makes a significant difference.
Everyman patron and TV personality, Dermot O’Leary has supported Everyman in raising awareness of male cancers since 2002.
“Many men remain ignorant about the signs and symptoms of the cancers that are most likely to affect them but it’s so important to be aware of these. The Everyman Campaign aims to get across this message to help reduce the incidence of male cancers which affect 36,000 men in the UK each year. To find how you can support Everyman, please visit www.everyman-campaign.org. And lads – don’t forget to check yourselves!”
This annual focus on male cancer awareness is being supported by Everyman’s corporate partners. Moss Bros is donating a portion of sales from two pure silk ties in Sky Blue and Navy Blue to Everyman; Debenhams is selling Everyman pin badges in all their UK stores; Screwfix is encouraging millions of male customers to 'protect their nuts' and support the sale of some quirky merchandise, while pizza chain Papa John’s is selling a limited edition Everyman meatball pizza.
All money raised supports the work of scientists in the Everyman Centre which is located within Europe’s leading cancer research organisation, The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR). The ICR is marking its centenary in 2009.
Media contact: Tatjana Trposka on 020 7153 5312 or email Tatjana@icr.ac.uk.
Notes to Editor
• Survey conducted by OnePoll with a sample size of 3,000
• ¹17 per cent named a football match as the ideal way to catch up with their dad while a trip to the cinema (10 per cent), camping (8.4) or playing football (4.3) proved even less popular.
• ² Other admirable traits for Dad were “wise” (33.2 per cent), “his sense of humour” (32.1) and “he’s a great family man” (28.9).
• Prostate cancer has overtaken lung cancer to become the most common cancer in men affecting more than 34,000 men every year in the UK. One man dies of prostate cancer in the UK every hour, a total of a total of about 10,000 men a year.
• Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 15-44 with 2,000 cases a year. However, it is 99 per cent curable if caught early.
About The Everyman Male Cancer Campaign
Everyman is the UK leading male cancer campaign which raises awareness of, and funds research into testicular and prostate cancer. Everyman funds research at The Everyman Centre – Europe’s first and only centre dedicated to male cancer research. Everyman is dedicated to improving the survival rate of men with testicular cancer by raising awareness about the early symptoms. Its scientists have also led groundbreaking research into new treatments for prostate cancer. The Everyman Centre is located within Europe’s leading cancer organisation, The Institute of Cancer Research. The ICR is marking its centenary in 2009, celebrating 100 years of world leading research into cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. For more information visit www.everymancancer.org
