This month, the UK government will launch a consultation to shape a national men’s health strategy. Experts argue this move is long overdue, as men face a significant health crisis, with a much higher risk of premature death compared to women. But why is men’s health so poor, and what can be done to address it?
A Troubling Trend in Men’s Health
Andrew Harrison, a health professional who ran a men’s health clinic in Bradford, recalls an unusual encounter that highlights the barriers many men face in accessing healthcare. One day, a young man knocked on the clinic’s door, only to climb a drainpipe to ask for condoms through the window, avoiding the reception desk altogether. Harrison explains, “The lad had shimmied up the drainpipe because he didn’t want to go through the proper channels.”
This story underscores the deep-rooted challenges in men’s health – from risky behaviors to a lack of confidence in engaging with healthcare services.
The Statistics Tell a Grim Story
In the UK, men are statistically more likely to smoke, drink alcohol, abuse drugs, and have conditions like high cholesterol and blood pressure. These factors contribute to the stark health disparities between men and women. On average, men have a life expectancy that is four years shorter than women’s, and they are nearly 60% more likely to die prematurely, often from heart disease, lung cancer, liver disease, or accidents.
Professor Alan White, co-founder of the Men’s Health Forum and a leading academic in the field, argues that these issues demand greater attention. He points to the Covid-19 pandemic, during which 19,000 more men than women died. “Where was the outrage? Where was the attention?” White asks, highlighting the lack of a national conversation on men’s health.
Beyond Lifestyle: The Complexity of Men’s Health
While lifestyle choices are often blamed for poor health outcomes, experts argue that the issue is much more complex. White explains that biological factors play a role, with the male immune system generally less equipped to fight infections. He also notes that men often lack the skills to access health services effectively. Many men go years without seeing a healthcare professional, and health literacy is often lower compared to women, who have more frequent interactions with healthcare systems through reproductive health services.
The Role of Societal Expectations and Deprivation
Machismo and societal expectations also contribute to men’s health issues. Mark Brooks, policy adviser for the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Men’s and Boy’s Issues, notes that men are often pressured to “man up” and avoid showing vulnerability. These expectations are detrimental when it comes to health, as they discourage seeking help and addressing health issues openly.
Deprivation exacerbates the problem, with life expectancy in the poorest areas being 10 years shorter than in wealthier regions. Men living in deprived areas are also 3.5 times more likely to die before the age of 75. Brooks emphasizes that the health services currently available are not designed to meet the needs of men, particularly those in blue-collar industries such as construction, where taking time off for health checks is difficult.
The Importance of Health Checks and Early Intervention
NHS health checks for those aged 40 to 74 are an essential tool in preventing early deaths from conditions like heart disease and cancer. However, fewer than 40% of men take up the offer for these health checks. Brooks suggests that employees, particularly those in manual labor jobs, should be given paid time off to attend health screenings, and these services should be made more accessible in workplaces.
Additionally, men often ignore early warning signs of health issues due to job insecurity or fear of job loss. This fear, combined with financial and relationship stress, contributes to high suicide rates among men. Three-quarters of suicide victims are men, yet only a third of those referred for talking therapies are male. Prof. White points out that men often express mental health struggles through anger, substance abuse, or withdrawal, making traditional mental health services ill-suited to their needs.
Ethnic Disparities in Men’s Health
Ethnicity also plays a crucial role in men’s health outcomes. For example, black men in England are twice as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer, while men of Indian or Bangladeshi descent face higher risks of diabetes. These disparities underline the need for a more tailored approach to men’s health that considers both biological and social factors.
A Call to Action for Men’s Health
Despite these challenges, experts like Prof. Paul Galdas from York University argue that men are willing to engage with their health, but the approach needs to be more action-oriented. Galdas helped develop a six-week mental fitness program in collaboration with the Movember Foundation, which has been trialed by NHS workers and youth players at Leeds United football club. The program encourages men to track their habits, set goals for healthy activities, and understand the connection between behavior and mental health.
In many communities, initiatives like the Men’s Sheds movement have encouraged men to bond over practical projects, helping to build social connections while promoting physical and mental well-being. These grassroots efforts are crucial in addressing the underlying issues in men’s health.
A National Strategy for Change
Prof. White believes that now is the time for a national men’s health strategy to address these issues. He argues that such a strategy could help to raise awareness of men’s health issues in the same way that the women’s health strategy has led to the creation of women’s health hubs. However, he also stresses that men themselves must take responsibility for their health. Simple steps, such as monitoring waist size, staying active, attending health checks, and seeking help for physical or mental health changes, can have a significant impact.
As the government prepares to roll out its men’s health consultation, experts hope it will serve as both a wake-up call and a foundation for lasting change in how men’s health is prioritized and addressed.
Related topics
