At every stage of life, men are encouraged to be more proactive about three crucial aspects of health: mental, physical, and emotional. Men’s Health Awareness Month is dedicated to raising awareness about these aspects and educating men on how to take control of their health. This includes emphasising the importance of early screening for cancers that primarily affect men.

What is Men’s Health Awareness Month?

Held each November in the UK, Men’s Health Awareness Month focuses on increasing awareness and providing information while raising funds for men’s mental and physical health.

Special attention is given to preventing common cancers like prostate and testicular cancer. Since its inception in 2003, the initiative has transformed how health services are delivered to men, improving their overall well-being.

Prostate Cancer in the UK

Prostate cancer remains a significant health issue, with approximately 143 men diagnosed daily in the UK. Early screening is critical, especially for those over 50 or with family history or African or Caribbean descent as detecting prostate cancer early can significantly improve treatment outcomes and can save lives.

Tackling Mental Health Concerns

In 2021, 3,852 men in the UK died by suicide, highlighting a critical mental health issue. Men’s Health Awareness Month stresses the importance of identifying early signs of mental health issues and seeking help. Alarmingly, 40% of men have never spoken to anyone about their mental health, leading to suffering in silence.

Campaigns like Movember challenge this stigma by encouraging open discussions and support-seeking behaviours among men.

The Global Picture

Globally, men, on average, die 4.5 years earlier than women, largely due to preventable causes. Raising awareness about early cancer screenings and mental health interventions is crucial for improving men’s health outcomes worldwide.

Testicular Cancer Facts

Approximately 2,400 men are diagnosed annually with testicular cancer in the UK, with 47% of cases occurring in men under 35. Fortunately, testicular cancer has a high survival rate with early detection — over 98% of those diagnosed early can expect to survive beyond ten years.

Take Action for Your Health

Men’s Health Awareness Month is a reminder that taking charge of your health is not just beneficial — it’s essential.

Here’s what you can do:

Get Screened:

Early detection is vital. Consider scheduling a prostate check with services like Check4Cancer, especially if you’re over 50 or at higher risk.

Check your testicles:

There is no screening programme for testicular cancer and so it’s important that you know what is normal for you. If you notice anything unusual for you, make an appointment with your GP.

Stay Informed:

Be aware of any changes in your physical and mental health. Recognise early symptoms and seek medical advice when necessary.

Open Up:

If you’re struggling with mental health, talk about it with someone you trust or seek professional help. Breaking the silence can be the first step to healing.

Remember, taking small, actionable steps now can lead to significant improvements in your health and quality of life. Prioritise your well-being and encourage others to do the same.