This Movember, the UK government has announced plans to create a national Men’s Health Strategy, a long-awaited initiative that will address the health challenges faced by men across the country
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting made the announcement at a Men’s Health Summit hosted by Arsenal Football Club in partnership with Movember and the Premier League.
This new initiative shows a significant step in tackling the health inequalities that affect men, and it will be a key element of the government’s wider 10-year Health Plan to reform the NHS.
Men who struggle with mental health issues
Men in the UK face a range of health issues that contribute to a significant life expectancy gap between men and women.
On average, men die nearly four years earlier than women, with many of the leading causes of death being preventable. These include cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke, cancers like prostate and testicular cancer, and mental health problems.
Men are also more likely to struggle with their mental health in silence, and the suicide rate among men, especially those under 50, is alarmingly high.
Men account for three out of four suicides in the UK, making it the leading cause of death for this age group. The government’s strategy will focus on tackling these issues head-on and improving the overall health and well-being of men.
Closing the life expectancy gap between men and women
One of the strategy’s main aims is to close the life expectancy gap between men and women by addressing the key health conditions that disproportionately affect men.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for men in England, with significantly higher rates of early death from heart disease compared to women.
Men are at greater risk of developing prostate cancer and other cancers, but these diseases are often diagnosed too late, making treatment more difficult and reducing the chances of survival. The strategy will include efforts to improve early detection, increase awareness, and promote preventative measures for these common conditions.
Supporting men’s mental health
Mental health is another priority area. Men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues compared to women, and this can lead to more severe consequences, including suicide. The government is committed to addressing the stigma around mental health, encouraging men to seek support, and improving access to mental health services tailored to their needs.
The Men’s Health Strategy will also focus on tackling health inequalities, particularly in more deprived areas of the UK, where men are expected to live almost 10 years less than those in wealthier regions. These disparities are driven by factors such as access to healthcare, lifestyle choices, and social determinants of health, and addressing them will be a key component of the new strategy.
Movember’s CEO, Michelle Terry, said: “When we improve men’s health, we know that the benefits can ripple through families, communities and societies.
“This will transform the lives of men, as well as the wives, sisters, mothers, partners, mates, children and neighbours around them.”
Men’s Health Strategy
As part of the strategy’s development, the government will launch a “call for evidence,” inviting feedback from healthcare professionals, campaigners, and the public on what is working and where more action is needed.
This consultation will help shape the strategy and ensure it reflects the needs of men across all communities. The government is reviewing existing health screening programs, such as prostate cancer screening, to ensure they are evidence-based and reach those at higher risk, such as men with a family history of the disease.
The Men’s Health Strategy will aim to improve the lives of men and also benefit their families, communities, and society at large. By addressing the major health challenges that men face, the government hopes to reduce preventable deaths, improve quality of life, and reduce the strain on the healthcare system.
The strategy will start next year, and men across the UK will be encouraged to share their views through the government’s online portal as part of the consultation process.
