November - Men’s Health

There are some health issues that mostly affect men in Harrow. These include cardiovascular disease (like heart attacks), some cancers and death by suicide. Men in Harrow have a life expectancy of 82 years, which is lower than in women, and on average develop long-term health problems at the age of 65.

There are many reasons why men sometimes experience worse health. This includes stereotypes which often make men feel like they have to hide their worries and feelings and can’t ask for help. Men are also more likely to smoke, drink more alcohol, take illegal drugs and be the victims of violent crime, all of which are harmful to health. Transgender and non-binary men in Harrow also have particular issues with health services.

This is why it is important that the men of Harrow are supported to overcome these issues and improve their health.

Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing – it shapes how people think, feel, and interact with the world around them. It's important to focus on men's mental health because stereotypes often make men feel like they have to hide their feelings and can't ask for help. When left untreated, mental health problems can worsen and, sadly, even lead to suicide.

When we talk about men's mental health, we challenge outdated beliefs, encourage open conversations, and help men to take charge of their wellbeing. This benefits you, your friends and family and is important to address mental health issues across the whole community.

We know there are many men in Harrow with mental health problems like depression and anxiety who don’t seek help or get diagnosed. This means that you miss out on getting support which can help you get better. To read more about support available in Harrow for your mental health, read out drop-down option “Men’s Mental Health” below.

For more information about mental health you can have a look at these easy-read factsheets by Rethink Mental Illness. There is one for worries about your own mental health, or someone else’s mental health.

Movember have made this short video to inspire action to improve men’s health, which you might like to watch.

Prostate and testicular cancers are important health issues for men. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, and testicular cancer is less common but can be aggressive if not picked up early.

The prostate is a small gland in the pelvis and is part of the male reproductive system. It's about the size of a walnut and surrounds the urethra, the tube that connects your bladder to the outside world. In the UK, prostate cancer is the most common type of male cancer. Roughly 1 in 6 UK men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

Testicular cancer is much less common – it causes 1% of all male cancers. However, it mainly affects younger men. It's the most common cancer among men aged 15 to 49. 

For both cancers, it is important to be aware of what is normal for you. This will help you to notice unusual changes, like new symptoms. Regularly self-examining your testicles will also help you to notice any new lumps, which might be cancer. If you notice any changes, it is important to seek help quickly by speaking to your GP. Picking up cancer early can be very important, as it makes treatment more likely to work, which makes you more likely to survive and lead a longer, healthier and happier life.

Early symptoms of prostate cancer can include the following

• Needing to pee more frequently, often during the night
• Needing to rush to the toilet
• Difficulty in starting to pee (hesitancy)
• Straining or taking a long time while peeing
• Weak flow
• Feeling that your bladder has not emptied fully
• Blood in urine or blood in semen

It is important to speak to your GP if you have any of these symptoms. Find more helpful information about prostate cancer on the NHS website.

You may also want to watch this video about the importance of being open about prostate cancer here.

Early symptoms of testicular cancer can include the following:

• A lump or swelling in your testicle
• Your testicle getting bigger
• An ache or pain in your testicle or scrotum (the skin that covers the testicles)
• Your scrotum feeling heavy, firm or hard

It is important to speak to your GP if you have any of these symptoms. Find more helpful information about testicular cancer on the NHS website.

You may also want to watch this video about testicular cancer here:

Video: 

There is a variety of different sources of support for men in Harrow. These include mental health support from Man On or Harrow Cove, to men’s group walks to get active, chat and connect. You can read more about these services in the drop-down options below.

There is reliable advice available from the Macmillan Community Champions programme and from the Cancer Research UK website – you should contact your GP if you notice anything that is not normal such as a lump, lots of moles or freckles, unexplained pain or bleeding. Please see our drop-down options above for details about prostate and testicular cancer symptoms.

Harrow Cove is a service that provides mental health support, including in times of crisis. They offer one-to-one support, advice, information and signposting and provide an opportunity to develop a safety plan for self-care.

‘Man On’ is a mental health service run by the NHS. It offers men support through conversations and sport and runs every Thursday for 90 minutes. Sessions start with a demand free game of football followed by an indoor conversation about positive mental wellbeing.

Mind in Harrow run a variety of services and group activities which you could use to improve your mental health.

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) runs campaigns to make sure everyone has the knowledge and skills to unite against suicide and help people by providing ways to manage your mental health.

Harrow Council also provide advice and support for violence and domestic abuse.

Harrow Health Walks are a programme of regular walks which could help your physical and mental health. In partnership with the Man Down Project, they run a monthly men’s Man Down Walk. This walk will help you to connect with other people, celebrate positive achievements and break down stereotypes.

There are a number of important Men’s Health awareness dates in 2025, which are:

• Movember – November 2025. Also known as Men's Health Awareness Month, it aims to encourage men to talk openly about their health, seek help, and take steps for a healthier and happier life
• Father's Day – Sunday 15th June 2025.  An international holiday honouring fathers, fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society
• Men’s Health Week – 9-15 June 2025