Men’s health has long been neglected, with consequences that are both severe and widespread. On average, men live five years less than women, and they are far more likely to suffer from serious diseases like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and tuberculosis. Moreover, men face higher risks of death from suicide and accidents, whether on the road or in the workplace.
Despite the fact that most top health decision-makers are male, men’s health needs have been overlooked in both global and national health policies. Only a few countries have policies specifically focused on men’s health, a gap that is evident in everyday healthcare experiences.
For instance, Global Action on Men’s Health found that only 16% of global and regional sexual and reproductive health policies focus on men’s needs. Even fewer policies—just 7%—consider men in primary healthcare strategies.
These gaps are reflected in healthcare settings. Many men avoid seeing general practitioners due to inconvenient opening hours, complicated appointment systems, and a lack of targeted health information in waiting areas. This often results in diagnoses being made too late, further complicating health outcomes.
Prostate Cancer: An Urgent Focus for Men’s Health
One of the most pressing men’s health issues is prostate cancer. While advances in treatment have been made over the past few decades, key areas remain under-researched. For example, in many low-income countries, men lack even basic information about prostate cancer. Even in countries with better healthcare infrastructure, many men, especially Black men and those at higher genetic risk, are diagnosed too late, when the disease is already advanced.
Prostate cancer, the third most common cancer worldwide, is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men in 112 countries. Its incidence is expected to double by 2040, leading to nearly three million new cases each year. The mortality rate is projected to increase by 85%. These alarming statistics highlight the need for urgent action.
The Global Action on Men’s Health Call to Action
In response to this growing health crisis, Global Action on Men’s Health is using International Men’s Health Week (9-15 June) to call on the World Health Organization (WHO) to launch a Global Prostate Cancer Initiative. This initiative would address every stage of the prostate cancer journey, from prevention to palliative care.
The initiative must include:
Prostate Cancer Policies: National governments should be urged to implement policies and cancer plans that specifically address prostate cancer.
Education and Awareness: Awareness campaigns should focus on providing accurate information about prostate health and tackling the stigma many men feel.
Early Diagnosis: Since prostate cancer is often symptomless in its early stages, countries should plan to introduce national screening programs. Such screenings could reduce death rates by 35%.
Focus on High-Risk Groups: Particular attention should be paid to men who are at higher risk of poor outcomes, such as Black men and those with a family history of prostate cancer.
Access to Treatment: Men with prostate cancer must have quick and affordable access to all effective treatment options, along with psychosocial support.
Research and Development: Investment in research, infrastructure, and workforce development is critical, especially in low-income countries where prostate cancer mortality rates are disproportionately high.
A Broader Approach to Men’s Health
Alongside tackling prostate cancer, other significant men’s health issues must also be addressed. For instance, improving men’s use of primary care services is crucial. Men are less likely to seek medical help for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol. Increasing uptake of screenings for cancers like bowel and lung cancer is equally important.
Additionally, more health services should be offered in spaces where men already spend time—workplaces, gyms, sports venues, and places of worship. These environments might feel more comfortable and accessible than traditional healthcare settings.
Men’s health literacy should also be improved, with targeted campaigns to educate men on risk reduction, symptoms to watch for, and where to seek help.
Furthermore, behaviors like smoking, excessive drinking, and poor diets should be addressed with targeted health promotion efforts. Healthcare providers need to be as adept at reaching men as advertisers are at selling them cars and beer.
Time to Prioritize Men’s Health
It is time for men’s health to be placed at the forefront of global and national health agendas. Prostate cancer is a critical starting point, but it is only one of many health issues that need attention. The global health community must act now to ensure that men, regardless of their background or income level, can live healthier, longer lives.
Global Action on Men’s Health’s new report, Prostate Cancer: Time for A New Global Initiative, will be published on June 11, 2025, and will be available at www.gamh.org.
Peter Baker is the director of Global Action on Men’s Health.
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