Men's Health Awareness Month 2023
November is Men's Health Awareness Month, which aims to promote both physical and mental wellbeing among men.
Globally, men die on average 4.5 years earlier than women, and for reasons that are largely preventable - which means it doesn't have to be that way. There are some key actions we can all take to live healthier, happier, and longer lives.
Know the numbers
At 50, talk to your doctor about prostate cancer and whether it's right for you to have a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test. If you are of African or Caribbean descent you should be having this conversation at 45.
1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer. It's the most common cancer in men, but most men with early prostate cancer don't have symptoms. If you're over 50, or you're black, or your dad or brother had it, you're at higher risk.
Early detection is key, so it's important to understand your risk and know when to start conversations with your doctor. Answer three quick questions to check your risk (opens new window).
Prostate Cancer UK (opens new window) has lots of information about prostate cancer and other prostate problems, including specialist nurses and a range of support services that are open to men, their family, and their friends.
Get to know what's normal for you
Check your testicles regularly and go to the doctor if something doesn't feel right.
Testicular cancer most commonly affects men aged 15-45. Symptoms (opens new window) can include:
- a lump or swelling in part of one testicle
- a testicle that gets bigger
- a heavy scrotum
- discomfort or pain in your testicle or scrotum
The good news is that nearly all men survive testicular cancer, but cancers are easier to treat if found early. You know your body best, so if you notice anything that's unusual for you, you should see your doctor as soon as you can.
Find out more from Cancer Research UK (opens new window)
Spend time with people and talk more
Feeling good isn't just about your physical health, it's also about how you feel mentally and emotionally. When someone's mental health isn't good, they may think no one else feels like this and so don't feel comfortable to talk about it.
Stay connected. Your friends are important and spending time with them is good for you. Catch up regularly, check in and make time. Listening is important too - you don't have to be an expert and you don't have to be the sole solution, but being there for someone, listening and giving your time can be lifesaving.
ANDYSMANCLUB (opens new window) offers free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups at Deckham Family Hub, elsewhere in the North East and online:
Find more mental health support
Maintain a healthy weight
Eating a healthy and balanced diet while also increasing your physical activity can help you safely achieve a healthy weight.
Losing a small amount of excess weight can help reduce your risk of developing health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer.
November is Men's Health Awareness Month, which aims to promote both physical and mental wellbeing among men.
Globally, men die on average 4.5 years earlier than women, and for reasons that are largely preventable - which means it doesn't have to be that way. There are some key actions we can all take to live healthier, happier, and longer lives.
Know the numbers
At 50, talk to your doctor about prostate cancer and whether it's right for you to have a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test. If you are of African or Caribbean descent you should be having this conversation at 45.
1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer. It's the most common cancer in men, but most men with early prostate cancer don't have symptoms. If you're over 50, or you're black, or your dad or brother had it, you're at higher risk.
Early detection is key, so it's important to understand your risk and know when to start conversations with your doctor. Answer three quick questions to check your risk (opens new window).
Prostate Cancer UK (opens new window) has lots of information about prostate cancer and other prostate problems, including specialist nurses and a range of support services that are open to men, their family, and their friends.
Get to know what's normal for you
Check your testicles regularly and go to the doctor if something doesn't feel right.
Testicular cancer most commonly affects men aged 15-45. Symptoms (opens new window) can include:
- a lump or swelling in part of one testicle
- a testicle that gets bigger
- a heavy scrotum
- discomfort or pain in your testicle or scrotum
The good news is that nearly all men survive testicular cancer, but cancers are easier to treat if found early. You know your body best, so if you notice anything that's unusual for you, you should see your doctor as soon as you can.
Find out more from Cancer Research UK (opens new window)
Spend time with people and talk more
Feeling good isn't just about your physical health, it's also about how you feel mentally and emotionally. When someone's mental health isn't good, they may think no one else feels like this and so don't feel comfortable to talk about it.
Stay connected. Your friends are important and spending time with them is good for you. Catch up regularly, check in and make time. Listening is important too - you don't have to be an expert and you don't have to be the sole solution, but being there for someone, listening and giving your time can be lifesaving.
ANDYSMANCLUB (opens new window) offers free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups at Deckham Family Hub, elsewhere in the North East and online:
Find more mental health support
Maintain a healthy weight
Eating a healthy and balanced diet while also increasing your physical activity can help you safely achieve a healthy weight.
Losing a small amount of excess weight can help reduce your risk of developing health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer.
