Men suffer disproportionate burden of ill health

Men in Ireland suffer a disproportionate burden of ill health and die too young, according to the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland (MHFI).

This week is International Men’s Health Week 2021, and the MHFI is using this opportunity to urge everyone, from families and communities to service providers and policy makers, to take action to improve the health of men.

Recent research from the MHFI found that while there is come cause for optimism, there continue to be major concerns around men’s health.

“Male life expectancy is increasing; the five-year net survival rate for males with cancer has increased; the proportion of male deaths due to circulatory diseases is falling; the number of males dying by suicide across the island has decreased and fewer men now smoke.

“But this needs to be seen in context. The number of cases of prostate cancer has increased; the rate of male diagnoses of gonorrhoea has risen; male obesity and weight is becoming a serious concern and COVID-19 has had a major impact upon the lives of men and boys,” explained MHFI chairperson, Michael Lynch.

He also said that one of the biggest concerns is that incidence rates of disease and chronic conditions are “mostly higher within areas of deprivation”.

The theme of International Men’s Health Week 2021 is ‘Making the Connections’. It is urging men to keep checking their own mental and physical health, and to seek support or information if they are struggling or worried about something.

It is also urging people to check up on family, friends, neighbours and colleagues, to see how they are doing.

“Men on the island of Ireland suffer a disproportionate burden of ill health and die too young. However, this is not a lost cause. Men’s Health Week offers an ideal time to focus our attention upon the needs of men and boys, and to make a positive difference to their lives,” commented MHFI director of operations, Colin Fowler.

The HSE also appealed to people to get involved with Men’s Health Week, which runs until June 20.

“As we emerge from a pandemic, it is vitally important that we target resources to those groups of men who have been worst affected - those who have been bereaved, those whose livelihoods or employment status have been compromised, and those who are experiencing isolation or marginalisation.

“I would encourage everyone to consider the men and boys who need our support the most, and what we can do to engage them to improve their wellbeing,” commented Dr Noel Richardson of the National Centre for Men’s Health Ireland and HSE Health and Wellbeing.

For more information on Men’s Health Week, click here.