Men’s Health Week, led by The Men’s Health Forum, is an annual international campaign taking place from Monday 9th to Sunday 15th June. Its aim is to raise awareness of men’s health, encouraging men to address health concerns and seek help when needed.
Timed just before Father’s Day, the week offers an ideal moment to reach fathers, sons, brothers, friends, and colleagues, creating space for open, honest conversations about health. Despite progress, many men continue to avoid seeking support due to the belief that doing so could make them appear weak. This silence is dangerous, and breaking down these barriers is essential for saving lives.
This year’s campaign calls for a stronger, more targeted Men’s Health Strategy. The statistics highlight why. According to The Men’s Health Forum, one in five men dies before reaching 65. Suicide remains the leading cause of death in men under 35, and four in five suicides are committed by men. Research by the BUPA Wellbeing Index further reveals that 65% of men believe stigma around mental health is still strong, while 30% admit they don’t know where to go for help or advice.
Health is More Than Just Physical
Men’s Health Week shines a spotlight on both physical and mental wellbeing. Mental health, in particular, remains a silent struggle for many. Half of the men surveyed by BUPA said they had faced mental health challenges at some point, yet fewer than half had spoken to a healthcare professional about it. Worryingly, more than a third of UK men said they deliberately hide their mental health difficulties from their partners.
While workers across all industries face mental pressures, those in emergency services are twice as likely to cite work as the main cause of their mental health struggles. Regardless of profession, stress and anxiety are a normal part of life, what matters most is how we address and manage these emotions.
When it comes to physical health, men are at higher risk of several serious conditions. Cancer Research UK reports that men are more likely than women to develop cancer, and are also more likely to die from it. Men are also at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes, remains the leading cause of death for men. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, while testicular cancer is the most frequent cancer among men aged 15 to 44, though it can affect younger and older men as well. Understanding what feels normal and recognising changes in the body is vital, and men are urged to speak to their GP if something doesn’t seem right.
Getting Involved in Men’s Health Week 2025
Taking part in Men’s Health Week can be both impactful and straightforward. This year, many men are asking for more from their workplaces, with 43% of British working men expressing a desire for greater health support from their employers.
Encouraging the men in your life to schedule routine check-ups, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and prostate exams, is an important starting point. At work, employers can support the campaign by organising informative sessions or workshops focused on men’s health. Topics could include healthy lifestyle habits, stress management, nutrition, mental wellbeing, and physical activity.
Organisations might also consider hosting activities that promote fitness, such as group walks, sporting events, or fitness challenges. Physical activity plays a significant role in supporting not only physical health but also mental wellbeing.
Men’s Health Week plays a crucial role in shifting attitudes, promoting early detection, and encouraging responsibility for personal wellbeing. It’s a chance to open the conversation and take proactive steps toward a healthier future, for ourselves, our families, and our communities.