UK Government to launch first ever men’s health strategy

As Men’s Health Awareness Month comes to an end, UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting has announced the development of a national strategy for men’s health.

The initiative aims to address key health challenges disproportionately affecting men, such as cardiovascular disease, prostate and testicular cancer, mental health issues, and suicide prevention.

The announcement was made at a Men’s Health Summit hosted by Arsenal Football Club in collaboration with men’s health awareness charity Movember, and the Premier League. The strategy – part of the Labour government’s proposed “ten-year plan” for the NHS – is expected to outline the government’s approach to addressing the growing challenges within the healthcare system.

According to the government, men in the UK die nearly four years earlier than women on average. They also face higher rates of preventable illnesses, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and account for three out of four suicides. Despite these risks, men are less likely than women to seek medical help, particularly for mental health issues.

Streeting highlighted the urgency of the issue: “Preventable killers like heart disease and prostate cancer are being caught far too late. We’re seeing mental ill-health on the rise, and the shocking fact that suicide is the biggest killer for men under the age of 50.”

The strategy will include a public consultation to gather evidence on what is working and identify areas for improvement. Key topics include targeted prevention measures, closing the life expectancy gap between men and women, and exploring the viability of prostate cancer screening programmes.