A groundbreaking report on men’s health, supported by a University of York academic, has uncovered stark inequalities in health outcomes between the most and least deprived areas in the UK.
The report, informed by Professor Paul Galdas, exposes the severe disparities in premature death rates among men. In England’s most deprived regions, men are 81% more likely to die prematurely compared to those in the least deprived areas, reflecting a troubling trend in men’s health nationwide.
Shocking Premature Death Rates
The Movember report highlights that nearly two in five male deaths (39%) occur prematurely—equating to 133,000 men lost annually to preventable causes. These deaths could often be avoided through early intervention, lifestyle changes, and improved screening programs.
Professor Galdas, a leading expert in nursing and men’s health at the University of York’s Department of Health Sciences, has dedicated his research to developing practical, evidence-based strategies to improve men’s engagement with healthcare. His current work focuses on breaking down barriers that prevent men from seeking early mental health support.
Innovating Mental Health Care for Men
As part of his contribution to men’s health, Professor Galdas leads the BALM program (Behavioural Activation for Low Mood and Anxiety in male NHS frontline workers), funded by Movember. This initiative has been recognized as a model of good practice for addressing common mental health issues among men, highlighting the importance of accessible mental health care.
Geography of Health Inequality
The report paints a grim picture of how geography affects men’s life expectancy in the UK. For example, men living in Birmingham are more than 3.5 times more likely to die prematurely than those in Beckenham. Disturbingly, the UK is one of only two G7 nations where male life expectancy has declined since 2012.
Urgent Call for Change
One of the report’s most concerning findings is that nearly two-thirds (64%) of men delay visiting a doctor for more than a week after noticing symptoms, with 31% waiting over a month. Additionally, 62% of men have reported dissatisfaction with healthcare services, citing a lack of personal connection with their practitioners.
Movember’s CEO, Michelle Terry, emphasizes the urgency of addressing these disparities. “This report should be a wake-up call to the dire state of men’s health across the UK. For too long, men’s health has been sidelined. If we want to reduce these tragic numbers, systemic change is needed.”
A Call to Revolutionize Men’s Healthcare
Professor Galdas echoes this sentiment, stressing the need for comprehensive reforms in healthcare. “The alarming state of men’s health highlighted in this report is a tragic consequence of decades of neglect. We need to move beyond minor adjustments and adopt a transformative approach to healthcare and education that benefits all genders.”
This report serves as a powerful reminder that men’s health must become a priority in public health policy to prevent unnecessary loss of life and improve overall wellbeing across the UK.
Source: York.ac.uk
