The urgent need for a national men's health strategy

The urgent need for a national men's health strategy

Councillor Keith Cunliffe

By Councillor Keith Cunliffe, deputy leader and portfolio holder for adult social care

Last month, in August, the Local Government Association (LGA) published a report on men's health, highlighting a stark reality; men's health is often a silent killer. The report throws light on the enormous health inequalities that exist across the country. For example, men living in the most deprived areas die, on average, 10 years earlier than those in the least deprived areas. Nationally, men die four years earlier than women, and the healthy life expectancy gap can be as wide as 20 years between the most and least deprived areas.

Men suffer disproportionately from various serious health conditions, including cancers, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Several factors influence these health outcomes, two of which impact men more than women: excessive smoking and alcohol consumption. These behaviours significantly deteriorate men's health.

In 2022, a national women's health strategy was launched. The LGA report calls for a similar national men's health strategy. One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, and 12,000 men die of it each year. Despite this, there is no national screening program for prostate cancer, unlike the established national screenings for breast and cervical cancer in women's health.

Suicides are another area of grave concern. National suicide rates are climbing, and four out of every five suicides are men. This makes up 80% of all suicides, making it one of the most significant causes of death among young males. A national men’s health strategy is needed to address these critical issues. The Local Government Association is calling for this strategy, and there is a strong case for supporting this call. Many local authorities have already implemented mental health initiatives within their public health budgets. For instance, a notable men’s weight management program was launched in Wigan Borough in partnership with Wigan Athletic.

However, addressing this crisis requires more than isolated initiatives. It demands a cohesive, nationwide approach that prioritizes mental health support, early intervention, and community-based programs tailored specifically for men. By fostering environments where men feel safe to seek help and by breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health, we can make significant strides in reducing these tragic statistics.

The call for a national men’s health strategy is not just about policy; it’s about saving lives. It’s about ensuring that every man, regardless of where he lives, has access to the support and resources he needs. As we move forward, it is crucial for both national and local governments to collaborate, share successful strategies, and commit to sustained funding for mental health services. Only through a united effort can we hope to turn the tide on this pressing issue and build a healthier future for all.