Men’s Health Week takes place from 15 to 21 June 2026. It highlights preventable health issues and encourages men and boys to seek medical advice when needed.
Stigma around men’s physical and mental health remains, and it is vital to challenge it, acknowledge the different issues men and boys face and reduce any sense of embarrassment or reluctance to seek help.
Too often, men delay speaking to a GP or ignore symptoms until they become more serious. This can be due to stigma, work pressures, or the belief that symptoms will “go away on their own”. However, early intervention can make a significant difference.
Men’s Health Statistics: Why Awareness Matters
1 in 5 men die before the age of 65. This number is far too high and it is important, as a society, for us to act on this.
Many of these deaths are linked to conditions that are preventable or treatable when identified early enough, including cancers, cardiovascular disease and mental health conditions.
Let’s look at the most prevalent topics of discussion surrounding men’s health today:
Man MOT – Promotes healthier living for men by encouraging more exercise, better diet choices and reduced alcohol intake. It aims to help prevent early deaths from a range of health conditions. The Man MOT program includes 25 challenges, each designed to support men to take control of their health.
Certain people, who are not already having regular treatment at their GP surgery for known conditions (such as high blood pressure or diabetes) are eligible for an NHS Health Check. If you are aged between 40 and 74 you can visit the NHS website to see if you are eligible.
Simple lifestyle changes such as improving diet, increasing physical activity, reducing alcohol intake, and managing stress can all have a significant positive impact on both physical and mental health.
Testicular cancer – a highly curable cancer most common in men younger than 49. It is important to perform regular self-checks of your testicles. The earlier it is diagnosed, the better the prognosis.
Symptoms to look for include:
- lumps or swelling
- changes to the size, weight or shape
- any other changes or abnormalities that are not your normal.
Men are often reluctant to seek advice about intimate health concerns, but early detection is key. Becoming familiar with what is normal for your body is an important step in identifying any changes early.
Get further information on how to carry out this self-check
Prostate cancer – This is the most common type of cancer in males, typically affecting those over 50. Sadly, 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in their lives.
It can be very curable and it is vital to have open conversations and get prostate checks as often as possible, where appropriate.
Symptoms can include urinary changes, discomfort, or other unusual changes in bladder function. However, in many cases there may be no symptoms at all in the early stages, which is why awareness is so important.
You can check your risk of prostate cancer in less than a minute.
Mental health – #itsokaytotalk offers a safe space for men to meet up to talk as much or as little as desired. The aim is to end the stigma around men’s mental health and prevent male suicide.
Men often feel reluctant to share their problems and feelings which can lead to isolation, anxiety, depression, or burnout going unrecognised.
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and the two are often closely linked. Stress and poor mental wellbeing can also contribute to physical health problems.
Organisations such as Andy’s Man Club continue to play a vital role in encouraging open conversations and supporting men who may be struggling.
Getting Support When Medical Care Falls Short
At Bridge McFarland we understand that any health issue can be scary, and it can be daunting seeking medical help. Even when the right steps have been taken by you, we understand that things can still go wrong.
In some cases, delays in diagnosis, missed symptoms, or failures in treatment can have a serious impact on both physical and mental health. This can also affect families emotionally and financially.
Our specialist Clinical Negligence team can offer expert advice and guidance if you or a loved one has been injured as a result of poor care.
We can help you make a complaint about your treatment or, where appropriate, investigate a claim on your behalf.
Get the answers you deserve by calling our Clinical Negligence team today for a free, no obligation chat. Call us on 0800 987 8800. Alternatively, send us an email at medneg@bmcf.co.uk and one of our friendly team will get in touch with you.
