Be a healthy man
Every year, Men’s Health Week arrives as a vital reminder that men across the UK are dying too young. Statistically, one in five men dies before the age of 65, and men are nearly three times more likely than women to die from alcohol-related causes and suicide. These are not just numbers, they are fathers, brothers, sons, and friends. Men’s Health Week exists to change that.
This year the week runs from 15th to 21st June and is organised by the Men’s Health Forum. Its goal is simple but powerful: to encourage men to take their physical and mental health seriously and to seek help when something feels wrong. Too many men still believe that admitting a problem is a sign of weakness. This week challenges that outdated idea.
Why Men’s Health Needs Its Own Week
The reasons are stark. Men are far less likely to visit their GP than women. They are more likely to ignore symptoms, delay seeking help, and adopt risky behaviours. Testicular cancer, prostate cancer, poor mental health, and heart disease all disproportionately affect men, yet many men don't know the warning signs.
Men’s Health Week is about breaking the silence. It is about creating a culture where a man can say “I’m struggling” without feeling embarrassed. It is about encouraging men to check their bodies, book that overdue appointment, and talk openly.
How to Get Involved
You do not need to run a marathon to participate. Simple actions matter:
• Start a conversation with the men in your life. A simple “how are you, really?” can save a life.
• Organise a workplace event, a walking lunch, a health information session, or even a cooking class.
• Share resources from the Men’s Health Forum on social media. The more men see the message, the more normal seeking help becomes.
• Take a personal health check. Book an appointment with your GP. Learn the signs of testicular or prostate cancer. Check your blood pressure.
Here are the top three physical health problems affecting men, along with their common symptoms:
1. Heart Disease (including heart attacks) Symptoms: Chest pain or tightness (angina), shortness of breath, pain in the left arm, jaw, or back, nausea, and light-headedness. Many men ignore early warning signs like unusual fatigue or indigestion.
2. Prostate Cancer Symptoms: Needing to urinate more frequently (especially at night), difficulty starting or stopping urination, weak urine flow, blood in urine or semen, and persistent pain in the lower back or hips.
3. Testicular Cancer Symptoms: A painless lump or swelling in either testicle, a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum, a dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin, or sudden fluid build-up.
If you notice any of these symptoms, see your GP promptly. Early detection saves lives.
Men’s Health Week is not about blaming men. It is about empowering them. It is about recognising that the culture of silence has cost too many lives and that change is possible…one conversation at a time.
