A new report by the charity Movember has issued an urgent call to action, revealing that more than 133,000 men die prematurely each year in the UK—equating to 15 deaths every hour. The report highlights significant health disparities and regional inequalities affecting British men, calling for comprehensive measures to improve men’s health outcomes.

Alarming Statistics

The research found that two in five men are dying before the age of 75 from largely preventable health conditions. Despite these alarming figures, 64% of men wait more than a week before visiting a doctor with symptoms, and 48% believe avoiding health check-ups is normal practice. Additionally, less than 40% of eligible men take up the NHS health check offers.

Comparative Health Outcomes

The health outcomes for men in the UK are worse compared to many other wealthy countries. For instance, boys born in the UK in 2021 can expect to live to 78.7 years—four years less than girls, more than three years less than boys in Switzerland, 2.6 years less than boys in Australia, and 1.3 years less than boys in Ireland.

Preventable Causes

The leading causes of premature death among men include lung cancer and heart disease. These conditions could be mitigated by lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, eating healthily, and attending regular health screenings. William Roberts, chief executive of the Royal Society for Public Health, emphasised the critical need to address the underlying causes of poor men’s health to create a healthier nation.

Mental Health and Suicide Rates

Suicide is a significant concern, particularly among younger men. In England and Wales, it is the leading cause of death for men aged 20 to 34, with the suicide rate being three times higher for men than for women.

Lifestyle Factors and Health Screenings

Men are generally less likely to lead healthy lifestyles compared to women. They are more prone to smoking, drinking alcohol, taking drugs, and suffering from high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Moreover, men are less likely to attend health screenings and GP check-ups, increasing their risk of late diagnosis for serious illnesses like cancer.

Regional Inequalities

The report exposes stark regional health disparities. Men living in the UK’s most deprived areas are 81% more likely to die prematurely than those in the wealthiest regions. For example, men in Birmingham’s Ladywood area are more than 3.5 times as likely to die before the age of 75 compared to those in Beckenham, Greater London. Men in the 10 constituencies with the highest premature death rates are almost 3.5 times more likely to die early than those in the constituencies with the lowest rates.

Policy Recommendations

Movember is advocating for the launch of a dedicated men’s health strategy, which could save £9.4 billion annually by addressing the main preventable diseases in men. The charity also calls for the appointment of a national director for men’s health in England and a minister for men’s health in Scotland, similar to existing appointments for women’s health.

Source: The Guardian