One of the most shocking statistics surrounding men’s health isn’t to do with the case numbers – it’s that thousands die each year needlessly and prematurely. Lack of awareness and the taboos that surround talking about men’s health are shortening lives. Fortunately, an increasing number of men’s health campaigns are seeking to change this.
This month sees the return of what has become one of the most high profile – Movember. Men sport their temporary beards and moustaches to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health. And October saw another year of ‘Prostate United’ a national awareness campaign organised by the football community.
At Cordell Health we are pleased to add our own support to these campaigns and in promoting better men’s health in general.
The real cost of ignorance
Movember have carried out their own research and published a report called ‘The Real Face of Men’s Health’. As well as some stats that we’ll share below, it makes the very valid point that men’s health doesn’t just affect men alone. It can affect wives, partners, children wider family and friends. All of whom may have to face life without a loved one. When that loss could have been avoidable, it’s hard to come to terms with that reality.
The Movember report found that:
- 64% of men wait more than seven days with symptoms before visiting a doctor.
- Almost two in five (39%) UK men die prematurely, before they are 75 years old.
- Perhaps worse of all, 48% of men believe it is normal practice to avoid health check-ups, with less than 40% taking up the offer of an NHS health check for which they are eligible.
What’s more, in England and Wales, suicide is the leading cause of death among men aged 20 to 34.
There is also an economic case for better awareness of men’s health. Tackling preventable diseases in men could have saved the UK £9.4 billion in 2023 alone — enough to cover the costs of nine of England’s biggest hospitals.
Breaking the taboos around men’s health
One of the most positive things to come from campaigns like Movember and Prostate United is that more men are finding it easier to talk about the issues. However, far more men still feel unwilling to seek help because of ‘stigma’ or ‘traditional masculine norms’, which suggest they should ‘man-up’ and endure pain or risk being ridiculed for having ‘man flu’.
These are taboos we have to break, and, as we’ll suggest later, organisational culture and leadership has a role to play in this. But first we need to understand why men feel unwilling to talk about their health.
Why don’t men talk about it?
According to the Mental Health Foundation, society’s expectations and traditional gender stereotypes could be a reason why men find it difficult to open up about their mental or men’s health problems. Men are often expected to be the head of the family, showing strength and being in control. This can often make it more difficult to open up about sensitive health topics and means they are less likely to seek help.
This is why awareness campaigns like Movember, and particularly those that bring fun into an otherwise taboo topic are so effective when they engage men who would otherwise prefer to ignore the issues and carry on, potentially unaware of serious health issues.
Some stats and symptoms – the more we know, the better
This article is about the need for awareness AND spotting the signs. We’ve highlighted stats and symptoms for both testicular and prostate cancers. Some of this could be filtered through to your line managers to aid their own awareness and to facilitate men’s health conversations. It’s initiatives like this that help reach those men who may otherwise remain unaware.
Testicular Cancer – facts
- In the UK, men aged 15-45 are most affected by this cancer.
- Around 2400 men will be diagnosed with testicular cancer in the UK each year.
- Of these, around 47% will be under the age of 35.
- Men are more at risk of testicular cancer if their father or brother has been diagnosed with it.
Testicular Cancer – symptoms
- The main sign of testicular cancer is a small lump on one of the testes, usually the size of a pea. In many cases there will be no pain associated with this lump.
- Any change in shape or texture of the testicles.
- An increase in the firmness of a testicle.
- A dull ache or sharp pain in your testicles or scrotum, which may come and go. A feeling of heaviness or a ‘dragging sensation’ in your scrotum.
Prostate Cancer – facts
- 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime.
- You are 2.5 times more likely to get prostate cancer if your father or brother has been diagnosed with it.
- The over 50s are more likely to develop prostate cancer and your risk increases with age.
- 1 in 4 black men are at risk in the UK, and your risk may increase once you are over 45.
Prostate Cancer – symptoms
It’s a cancer that can be hard to identify as for most men (and those assigned male at birth), there aren’t any obvious symptoms.
- Needing to pass urine more frequently, particularly overnight.
- Needing to pass urine urgently, often rushing to the toilet.
- Difficulty in starting to urinate and weak flow.
- Straining or taking a long time to pass water.
- Feeling that your bladder has not emptied fully.
- Blood in your urine or semen.
What organisations can do to help
The statistics might show a picture of ignorance, embarrassment and poor men’s health but with intervention, it’s thought that half of all premature male deaths are preventable.
Men’s health tactics for the workplace could include:
Men’s health awareness: From simple posters in the workplace, men’s toilets and changing rooms to including men’s health topics in wellbeing activities, the workplace often provides a direct channel to deliver health awareness.
Promoting the use of your wellbeing support: Research has shown that men can be reluctant to engage in the welfare services offered by employers, indeed around 25% of all employees may be unaware they exist. Could you be doing more to promote awareness of these services and emphasise their confidential nature?
Study the data available to focus services: Look at sickness absence data to understand absence rates and any patterns in reasons for absence in men. You should also be able to get data on your most accessed men’s health and wellbeing resources to help you determine the conditions where support and delivery are needed. You could discuss these findings with your occupational health partner for their input.
Develop a culture that supports men’s health: The most authentic cultures are modelled from the actions of leaders. If they are seen to model healthy behaviours and talk about the need for good physical and mental health, the more likely will be the take up and belief throughout the organisation right down to your line managers. They are often best placed to deliver awareness and spot some of the signs of suspect men’s health issues and behaviours.
In conclusion
Men’s health should be centre stage in organisational health conversations. The Movember report and statistics suggest that many lives can be saved by the breaking of taboos that stop men coming forward and improved access to screening. Prevention really can make a difference. It, will however, only begin to work if that awareness turns into action.
How you can support Movember
Founded in 2003, The Movember Foundation focuses on improving men’s health by funding projects related to prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention. It aims to raise awareness, support research, and promote early detection and treatment.
Find out more about what you can do at the UK Movember website.
Men’s health resources from Cordell Health
For a wider discussion on men’s health including diet, exercise and burnout prevention, read our article ‘Proactive Steps To Promote Men’s Health Awareness At Work’.
In addition, subscribers to our wellbeing service can access our fact sheets on testicular and prostate Cancer and other men’s health topics. If you are not signed up to this service and would like to find out more, please contact us on wellbeing@cordellhealth.co.uk
