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Men’s Health Awareness Month

November is Men’s Health Awareness Month, also known as Movember. It’s a time to talk about men’s health and encourage men to look after themselves – both physically and mentally.

Why Men’s Health Matters

Men are more likely to ignore symptoms and delay seeing a doctor. This can lead to serious health problems. In the UK:

  • One in eight men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime.
  • For Black African and Black Caribbean men, the risk is much higher – one in four will develop prostate cancer.
  • Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and causes around 12,000 deaths every year in the UK.

Prostate Cancer – Know the Signs

Prostate cancer often has no symptoms in the early stages, which is why knowing your risk is important. When symptoms do appear, they can include:

  • Difficulty starting or stopping when passing urine
  • A weak flow
  • Needing to urinate more often, especially at night
  • Feeling like your bladder isn’t empty after going

These symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, but it’s always best to get checked. If you’re:

  • Over 50, or
  • Over 45 and Black, or
  • Have a father or brother with prostate cancer,
    talk to your GP about a PSA blood test.

Prostate Cancer UK – Risk and Symptoms

NHS – Symptoms of prostate cancer

Heart Health – Protect Your Heart

Heart and circulatory diseases cause 1 in 4 deaths in the UK, and men are at higher risk than women. Many cases can be prevented. You are at higher risk if you have a Black African, Black Caribbean or South Asian ethnic background.

What can you do?

  • Check your blood pressure – high blood pressure often has no symptoms but can lead to heart attacks, strokes and death. If you’re over 40, you can get a free NHS blood pressure check at your GP or local pharmacy.
  • Eat a healthy diet – more fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and less salt and saturated fat. Limit processed meats and sugary foods.
  • Stay active – regular exercise helps keep your heart strong.
  • Attend blood tests when invited – these check cholesterol and other risk factors.

NHS – High blood pressure

NHS – Blood pressure test

British Heart Foundation – Healthy eating

Mental Health – Don’t Suffer in Silence

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Sadly:

  • Three out of four suicides in England are men
  • Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45

If you’re feeling low, anxious, or overwhelmed, please reach out. The NHS provides support services and there are numerous charities, both local and national, as well as other support groups that you can reach out to.

If you need urgent help, call NHS 111 or Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7).

Bowel Cancer Screening – Take the Test

Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK. Screening can find cancer early, even before symptoms appear, making it easier to treat.

If you’re aged 50 to 74, you’ll get a home test kit (FIT kit) in the post every 2 years. It’s quick and simple:

  • Collect a small sample of poo
  • Send it back in the prepaid envelope

Even if you feel well, please do the test. Early detection saves lives. You can find more information about the NHS Bowel Screening Programme on our website.