November marks Men’s Health Month, a crucial time to shine a spotlight on the unique health challenges facing men across the UK. From physical ailments to mental health struggles and social stigma, men face significant health issues that demand our attention and action.
Sensitive content warning. Please note that this article mentions suicide and mental health problems. If you need help, please reach out. We have listed resources at the bottom of this page, or you can speak with your GP. If you are seriously worried about yourself or a loved one, you can call 999 in an emergency.
The Stark Reality
The statistics paint a concerning picture. Almost two in five (39%) men in the UK die prematurely before reaching 75 years old. That’s approximately 133,000 men lost every year, often due to preventable causes. Perhaps even more alarming, the Movember Report from 2024 states that a boy born in the UK in 2021 can expect to live 4 years less than a girl born in the UK, and around 2.6 years less than a boy born in Australia.
In England, the suicide rate is three times higher for men than women, and among men aged 20-34 years suicide is the leading cause of death. And worryingly, the statistics are moving in the wrong direction. In 2023, there was a 6% rise in suicides, predominantly among middle-aged men.
These aren’t just numbers. They represent fathers, brothers, sons, and friends whose lives could be extended through earlier intervention, better health awareness, and improved access to care.
The Silent Epidemic: Men’s Mental Health
Mental health remains one of the most critical aspects of men’s wellbeing.
The reluctance to seek help compounds this crisis, as nearly two thirds of men wait more than a week with symptoms before visiting their doctor according to a survey of 1500 men commissioned by Movember. This same report stated that 62% of those surveyed feel like gender stereotypes have affected their health behaviours and experiences in healthcare settings, and 42% reporting gender bias from their healthcare practitioners.
This hesitancy isn’t limited to general practice. Traditional masculine norms often discourage emotional expression and vulnerability, creating a dangerous culture of silence. Many men report feeling unable to discuss their mental health openly, with societal expectations of “toughness” preventing them from reaching out when they need support most.
Organisations like Mates in Mind are working to break down these barriers, particularly in high-risk industries. In the construction sector suicide rates among male workers are 3.7 times higher than the national average, with 97% of workers having felt stressed, 87% having experienced anxiety, and 70% having experienced depression in the past year.
Physical Health: Understanding the Risks
Beyond mental health, men face specific physical health challenges that require attention:
Prostate Cancer primarily affects men over 50 and is one of the most common cancers in men. Those with a family history or men of African or Caribbean descent face heightened risk. Symptoms to be aware of include finding it difficult to start peeing, needing to pee more often or urgently, peeing more during the night and having blood in your urine.
Testicular Cancer predominantly affects younger men. It’s the most common cancer in men aged 15-35, though it has a high survival rate when caught early. Regular self-examination and prompt medical attention for any lumps or swelling can be lifesaving. Common symptoms of testicular cancer include: a lump or swelling in the testicle, aches or pains in the testicles, or the testicles getting bigger.
Heart Disease remains a leading cause of premature death, yet many cases are preventable through lifestyle modifications and early intervention.
Enter Movember: A Movement for Change
Since 2003, the Movember Foundation has transformed November into a global movement for men’s health. The charity focuses on four key areas: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. Movember has raised over £400 million for men’s health issues and funded more than 1,200 innovative projects across over 20 countries.
This November, men worldwide will grow moustaches to raise awareness and funds, but Movember offers multiple ways to get involved:
- Grow a Mo – Cultivate a moustache throughout November to spark conversations
- Move for Movember – Walk or run 60km over the month, symbolising the 60 men lost to suicide globally every hour
- Host a Mo-ment – Organise an event to raise awareness and funds
- Mo Your Own Way – Create your own fundraising activity
Breaking the Silence
Creating change requires action from all of us. Here are practical steps we can all take:
For Men:
- Schedule regular health check-ups, even when feeling well
- Learn the warning signs of common men’s health conditions
- Make time for meaningful connections with friends and family
- Practice self-examination for testicular cancer
- Speak openly about physical and mental health challenges
For Everyone:
- Check in regularly with the men in your life
- Create safe spaces for honest conversations
- Challenge outdated notions of masculinity that discourage men from seeking help
- Learn to recognise signs that someone may be struggling
- Support organisations working to improve men’s health
The Ripple Effect
It’s crucial to remember that men’s health doesn’t affect only men. Partners, parents, children, friends, and colleagues all feel the impact when men struggle with their health. By investing in men’s wellbeing, we create healthier families, stronger communities, and more productive workplaces.
This November, whether you’re growing a moustache, moving for mental health, or simply having more open conversations about wellbeing, you’re contributing to a vital cause. Together, we can challenge the statistics, break the stigma, and ensure that men across the UK live longer, healthier, happier lives.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out:
- Samaritans: Call 116 123 for Samaritan’s free 24/7 helpline, or email [email protected] for a response within 24 hours.
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): Call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm-midnight daily)
- Mind: Call Mind’s support line on 0300 102 1234 (9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday)
- Shout: If you prefer not to talk but want some mental health support, you can text SHOUT to 85258 to access Shout’s confidential 24/7 text service.
- National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK: Offers a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of suicide. Call 0800 587 0800 (6pm-midnight daily)
- If you or a loved one is in immediate danger and require immediate support, please visit your closest A&E or call 999.
This blog post is for informational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have concerns about your mental health, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional.
