Fear of a cancer diagnosis, lack of knowledge or interest and anxiety regarding physical examination have all been cited as reasons for not
attending cervical and mammographic screening appointments in the adult population [76, 77]. Elderly men are potentially vulnerable. Studies
in Latin America investigating barriers to prostate cancer screening, highlight concerns about the impact of a digital rectal examination on their
masculinity as well as an inherent stoicism towards their health, and an unwillingness to seek help [49]. Given that a number of malignancies
potentially require invasive investigations such as colonoscopy, education is an important part of any policy relating to cancer in older persons,
but this in itself requires greater research regarding perceptions of cancer and barriers to care amongst older persons.