This month, the Government of England is set to launch a much-anticipated consultation regarding its men's health strategy, a move that experts argue is long overdue. Alarmingly, men are statistically more likely to die prematurely compared to women, prompting a critical examination of the underlying causes of men’s poor health and what measures can be implemented to improve outcomes.

Andrew Harrison, who previously operated a men's health clinic in a youth center in Bradford, shared an enlightening anecdote that illustrates some of the barriers men face in regards to health services. One day, he received a knock on the window, only to discover a young man who had climbed up the building's drainpipe to avoid the reception area. The young man was too embarrassed to simply walk in and ask for condoms. Harrison’s story highlights a troubling mix of risk-taking behavior and a hesitancy to engage with health services, a theme that runs throughout the discussion on men's health.

In the United Kingdom, men are statistically more likely to engage in risky health behaviors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, and maintaining high cholesterol and blood pressure levels. These factors significantly contribute to a lower life expectancy for men, who live on average four years less than women, and face a 60% higher likelihood of dying prematurely before the age of 75 from conditions like heart disease, lung cancer, liver disease, and accidents.

Professor Alan White, co-founder of the Men's Health Forum charity and director of a dedicated men's health center at Leeds Beckett University, emphasizes the need for society to take men's health issues more seriously. He points to stark statistics from the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that 19,000 more men than women succumbed to the virus. “Where was the outrage? Where was the attention?” Professor White questions, suggesting that the narrative surrounding men’s health often blames lifestyle choices without acknowledging the complex factors at play.

Among these complexities are biological differences; research indicates that the male immune system may be less effective at warding off infections. However, behavioral aspects also play a critical role. Professor White notes, “Men are less health-literate,” meaning they often lack the skills to converse about their health or recognize the signs that they need medical attention. Many men do not access health services from their teenage years until well into their 40s, creating a stagnation in health awareness and proactive care.

On top of this, societal expectations around masculinity, often termed 'machismo,' contribute to the problem. Mark Brooks, a policy adviser for the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Men's and Boys' Issues, points out that societal norms dictate that men should be strong and resilient, which can lead to neglecting their health. Additionally, socioeconomic factors exacerbate these health disparities. Men living in the most deprived areas of the UK can expect to live up to 10 years less than those in wealthier regions. In these communities, men are 3.5 times more likely to die before the age of 75.

Brooks highlights the inadequacies in how health services are tailored to reach men, particularly those in blue-collar jobs such as construction and manufacturing. While NHS health checks are available every five years for individuals aged 40 to 74, participation rates among men are dismally low, with fewer than 40% taking up the offer. Work-related pressures and fears around job security often prevent men from seeking necessary health checks or addressing health concerns.

To combat these alarming trends, Brooks advocates for systemic changes, including the introduction of a policy that would allow employees two hours of paid time off for health checks. Furthermore, he argues that health services need to be more accessible in workplaces where men are employed. Mental health issues also disproportionately affect men, contributing to high suicide rates; three-quarters of those who take their own lives are men, yet only a third of individuals referred for talking therapies are male. This disparity suggests that existing services may not adequately cater to men’s unique needs.

Professor White also notes the importance of recognizing ethnic disparities in men's health. For instance, black men in England face twice the risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer, while men from Indian and Bangladeshi backgrounds are particularly vulnerable to diabetes.

Despite these myriad issues, Professor Paul Galdas, a men’s health expert at York University, emphasizes that men are often willing to engage in discussions about their health. He advocates for creating programs based around actions and activities to foster this engagement. One initiative, developed in collaboration with the Movember men's health movement, is a six-week mental fitness program that helps men recognize how lifestyle choices affect their mental and physical health. This program has been successfully implemented among NHS frontline workers and is now being utilized by youth players at Leeds United Football Club.

These efforts aim to support men in tracking their health habits and setting actionable goals, whether it be going for walks, maintaining social connections, or participating in sports. Ultimately, fostering good mental health is vital as it significantly contributes to overall physical health.