Men’s health strategy sets out action on suicide, prostate cancer and training

The government has launched its first men’s health strategy, setting out plans to address suicide, cancer, substance misuse and other health risks facing men and boys in England.

Published to coincide with International Men’s Day, the strategy outlines targeted measures to improve men’s physical and mental health and reduce persistent health inequalities.

The strategy includes £3.6m over three years for suicide prevention projects focused on middle-aged men in high-risk areas, including some of the country’s most deprived communities.

The plan also aims to offer improved prostate cancer services. From 2027 – subject to clinical approval – those undergoing monitoring or treatment will be able to order home PSA tests or book a local blood test via the NHS App.

The strategy document cites the 2024 National Cancer Patient Experience (CPES) survey, which found that 8.2% of men with cancer waited over six months from first thinking there was something wrong before contacting their general practice, compared to 6.2% of women.

For those men and women that did not contact their general practice, separate research from Cancer Research UK (CRUK) suggests that men were significantly less likely to look for information about their health concerns elsewhere.

Other targeted measures in the plan include new training and e-learning resources for healthcare professionals on men’s health.

According to the strategy document, providing effective services for men requires that healthcare professionals have the knowledge and skills to diagnose and treat male-specific conditions, understand the male-relevant risk factors, and effectively communicate and engage with men.

Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting said: ‘Men are dying nearly four years earlier than women, and suicide remains one of the leading causes of death for men under 50.

‘This strategy marks a turning point – the first time we’re taking comprehensive, coordinated action to address the health challenges facing men and boys.’

Other measures in the strategy include:

£3m for community-based men’s health programmes targeting groups least likely to engage with traditional services
A £200,000 trial of brief interventions to address rising alcohol- and cocaine-related cardiovascular deaths, particularly among older men
Enhanced support for former miners through the Respiratory Pathways Transformation Fund
Research funding to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of leading causes of poor health in men

Peter Baker, chief executive of Global Action on Men’s Health, said: ‘It’s great that England has joined the handful of countries around the world with national men’s health strategies.

‘We know that a male-focused, co-ordinated and system-wide approach can accelerate the changes that are urgently needed to improve men’s unnecessarily poor outcomes and we hope that other governments will now soon follow England’s excellent example.’

Professor Lucy Chappell, chief scientific adviser at the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and chief executive officer of the NIHR said: ‘We know that men are disproportionately affected by certain conditions, such as some forms of cancer and addiction, and even rates of suicide.

‘This strategy provides a critical focus for the NIHR’s research efforts, ensuring we target research to the health and care needs that cause the greatest burden on men’s lives.’

Earlier this year, nursing staff from across primary and secondary care settings shared their personal and professional experiences of male mental and physical health support at a debate at the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Congress.

It was discussed how nurses must do more to champion men’s mental health and flag male patients to domestic abuse and suicide support services.

Men’s health strategy sets out action on suicide, prostate cancer and training

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