International Men’s Day is held on 19 November this year, and it’s an opportunity to promote a positive conversation around men and masculinity. It’s also an event to raise awareness of the health issues that affect men, including male cancers, mental health, higher suicide rates and shorter life expectancy.

The day is marked by charity fundraising events, talks, workshops, and other initiatives designed to open up the conversation about men’s health and wellbeing. It also seeks to include those who are indirectly affected by these issues, such as partners, family, and employers.

The key health concerns that affect men

Men’s health is a key priority of the International Men’s Day campaign, because men die in disproportionate numbers from conditions that are potentially treatable or curable. Men often tend to delay visiting the doctor with symptoms until the problem is much worse, making treatment more challenging.

Men are also more likely to be overweight or obese, to smoke, and to drink to excess, which can increase the risk of serious health issues such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Younger boys and men are falling behind women in terms of educational attainment and entrance to university, which affects their life chances. 

Mental health and wellbeing

In 2023, there were 4,188 male suicides in England, accounting for about 75 per cent of all suicides. This represents a rising trend since 2020, and suicide is the biggest killer of men under the age of 50 in the UK. 

Although talking about issues such as depression, stress, and anxiety is now more acceptable, many men still feel pressure to be seen as strong and self-reliant. They are less likely to seek professional help for mental health problems, and more likely to feel socially isolated than women. 

They are also more likely to turn to unhelpful coping mechanisms including abusing alcohol or drugs, aggression and anger, or impulsive, dangerous, or addictive behaviours. Events such as International Men’s Day encourage men and those close to them to make check-ins on how they are feeling, and to consider help such as therapy or medication if needed.

Sexual health

Male sexual health can be an under-discussed topic, particularly issues such as erectile dysfunction (ED). It is most common in men over the age of 40, but it can affect men of all ages. In younger men, ED is more likely to have a psychological cause such as stress or anxiety.

In older men, ED more often has a physical cause such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease, so it’s important to seek professional help. The good news is that ED is often treatable through lifestyle changes, medication, or a combination of both. 

One of the most commonly used medications is Cialis, which is available to buy online more cheaply as tadalafil, the generic unbranded name. 

Fitness and weight management

Men are more likely to be overweight and obese than women, putting them at risk of a whole range of preventable diseases and health problems, including ED. The focus on men’s health includes encouragement to eat a well balanced diet and to get active. Ideally, adults should do about 150 minutes of physical exercise per week. 

Prostate and testicular health

Incidences of male cancers such as prostate and testicular cancer are increasing. Men are encouraged to know their risk for prostate cancer: it’s most common in men over the age of 50; in black men; and in men with a family history of the disease. 

Because prostate cancer may have no or few signs or symptoms in the early stages, it’s important for men at a higher risk to get checked out with regular blood tests. There’s no national prostate cancer screening service in place in England, but men in the high risk groups are able to request a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test at their GP surgery. 

Testicular cancer is the 17th most common cancer in the UK, and there are around 2,400 cases every year. It’s most common in men in their 20s or 30s. Men are encouraged to check their testicles regularly for signs of swellings, lumps or cysts. 

International Men’s Day aims to break down the stigma and shame that can sometimes prevent men from seeking the help that they need. This not only improves their quality of life, but also that of those around them, including friends, partners, family, and colleagues.