November marks Men’s Health Awareness Month

Aimed at highlighting and discussing all aspects of men’s health, from mental health and suicide prevention to prostate and testicular cancer.

Statistics show that men, on average, will die four years earlier than women – and many are dying for many preventable reasons.

In this article from Liam Hill of Oakwood Solicitors he looks at how we can encourage men to speak up and seek support– from mental health support to how to spot the signs of some physical health conditions that primarily affect men.

Men’s mental health

Statistics show that suicide is the largest cause of death for men under 50 – and this needs to change. Figures show that men are less likely to seek support for mental health conditions, such as depression – with just over a third (36%) of referrals to NHS talking therapies being made for them.

Research suggests that men are less likely to seek support for mental health conditions because of society’s expectations and traditional gender roles. Stereotypically, men have often been thought of being the breadwinners, being strong and in control.

But these stereotypes, can often be damaging for men as they may feel ‘weak’ or unable to seek support for their mental health. Especially if it means taking time off work, losing out on pay, or seeing their family struggle because they’re not working for a period of time.

However, support is out there if you are feeling low or need some support, and remember, you don’t need to go through this alone.

Below we have listed some tips to look after your mental health, as well as some charities and groups who may be able to help.

Tips to look after your mental health

The NHS has issued advice on how to look after your mental health.

1) Connect with other people

Spend time with others to help you build a sense of belonging and self-worth. Try to make time each day to be with family or friends, or arrange a day out with someone you haven’t seen in a while.
Switch off technology and connect with people in person rather than over the phone or online.
Volunteering at a local charity, school, hospital or community group to meet new people and give a sense of giving back.

2) Be physically active

Being active causes chemical changes in your brain which can help to physically change your mood. By setting fitness goals and achieving them can help you feel a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Being physically active can also encourage you to join a team, meet new people of mix with a different group of people on a regular basis. Remember, you don’t have to just spend hours in a gym – find some exercise that you enjoy – from going out for a walk in the fresh air, to starting a new hobby.

3) Learn new skills

Learning new skills can help to improve your mental wellbeing by boosting your confidence, improving your skillset and meeting new people in the process.

Even if you don’t have a lot of time to join a club or carry out a formal qualification, you could look at other ways to learn new skills. For example:

Ask if you can go on a course or take on new roles at work
Watch online tutorials to learn a new language or work on a DIY project
Try new hobbies or a new sport

4) Give to others

According to research, giving to others can improve mental wellbeing. This does not have to be an expensive gift, but you could think about giving your time to a friend, elderly neighbour or family member who needs it. Or think about giving your time or a particular skill to a local charity or organisation.

I’m worried about someone’s mental health – what should I do?

Remind them that you’re there to listen to them without judgement
Someone who is experiencing mental health problems may find it hard to reach out, so try to keep in touch. A text message or a phone call could make a big difference
Find out about local services such as talking therapy or support groups. See if there are any specifically for men if you think they’d prefer that. Hub of Hope offers local, national, community, charity, private and NHS mental health support and services.
Help them to get help. Reassure them it’s okay to ask for help and that support is out there. You could help them contact their GP or accompany them to their appointment if they want you to
Take care of yourself. Looking after someone else can be hard, so make sure you consider your wellbeing too

Men’s mental health support

Contact these organisations if you need support or want to learn more about men’s mental health:

Men’s physical health

As well as highlighting men’s mental health, November is a time to reflect on physical health conditions that men can be presented with. Below we look at the signs and symptoms of some cancer’s commonly found in men.

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the prostate gland, a small, walnut-shaped gland in men that produces seminal fluid. It is one of the most common cancers among men, especially those over 50, but it is often slow-growing and may not cause symptoms initially.

However, early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes, so understanding the signs and symptoms is crucial.

Signs and symptoms

In the early stages, prostate cancer often has few or no symptoms. As the cancer progresses, men may experience:

Frequent urination: Needing to urinate more often, especially at night.
Difficulty starting or stopping urination: A weak or interrupted urine stream, or difficulty initiating urination.
Painful urination or ejaculation: Discomfort during urination or ejaculation can indicate an issue with the prostate.
Blood in urine or semen: The presence of blood can be an indication of prostate cancer or other health issues.
Lower back, hip, or pelvic pain: Persistent pain in these areas can occur if the cancer has spread to bones or other parts of the body.

Since these symptoms can overlap with other non-cancerous prostate conditions (like benign prostatic hyperplasia), it is essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper testing and diagnosis if any symptoms arise.

Testicular cancer

Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the testicles (testes), which are part of the male reproductive system and produce sperm and testosterone.

It is relatively rare but is the most common cancer among young men, typically affecting those between 15 and 35 years old. Testicular cancer is highly treatable, especially when detected early.

Signs and symptoms

Testicular cancer symptoms can vary, and some men may not notice any symptoms until the cancer progresses. Common signs to be aware of include:

A lump or swelling in the testicle: This is often the most noticeable sign, usually painless but sometimes accompanied by discomfort.
Heaviness or aching in the lower abdomen or scrotum: A persistent feeling of heaviness or aching in the groin or lower abdomen may indicate a testicular issue.
Change in size or shape of the testicle: One testicle may become noticeably larger or feel firmer than the other.
Sudden fluid buildup in the scrotum: An unexpected accumulation of fluid around a testicle can be a sign of cancer or other testicular conditions.
Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum: Although usually painless, testicular cancer can sometimes cause mild or sharp pain in the affected area.

While not all lumps or changes in the testicles indicate cancer, any new, unusual, or persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis can lead to effective treatment and a high chance of recovery.

Breast cancer in men

Although breast cancer is commonly associated with women, men can also develop breast cancer. Male breast cancer is rare, accounting for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases, and it typically occurs in older men, though it can affect men at any age.

Early detection is essential, as breast cancer in men can spread quickly if untreated.

Signs and symptoms

Common signs and symptoms of male breast cancer include:

Lump or thickening in the breast tissue: A firm, often painless lump in the breast is the most common early symptom of breast cancer in men.
Changes to the skin of the breast: Dimpling, puckering, redness, or scaling of the skin over the breast can signal the presence of cancer.
Changes to the nipple: Retraction (nipple turning inward), pain, or discharge (including clear or bloody fluid) from the nipple are potential warning signs.
Swelling in the lymph nodes under the arm or around the collarbone: If the cancer spreads, it may cause swelling in nearby lymph nodes before the primary tumour is large enough to feel.

Men should seek medical attention if they notice any of these symptoms, as early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to improving outcomes. Regular self-exams can also aid in early detection.

It is important that men look after their health and act if and when they are struggling or notice an abnormality in their physical health.