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Too busy with work, wasting the doctor's time or hoping symptoms will disappear on their own - these are some of the excuses many of us give for not making a GP appointment.

Statistically, men are less likely to visit the GP then women, often delaying necessary medical attention until a problem becomes severe or they reach a tipping point.

 T he month of June will be shining a spotlight on dads, sons, brothers, uncles, grandfathers, grandsons and all the important male role models in our lives.

Father's Day will be celebrated by many, and in the days running up to this important date - the UK will again be marking Men's Health Week (June 15-21)

The week shines a spotlight on the unique health concerns impacting men and aims to promote the importance of addressing and managing health issues proactively.

The annual event encourages men to take charge of their well-being, make informed decisions about their lifestyle choices, and seek appropriate medical support when needed.

One of the most common health issues affecting men is prostate cancer, with statistics revealing that one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

And for men with a family history or those men from Afro-Caribbean heritage, that risk increases.

Only very recently, England and Liverpool FC footballing legend John Barnes revealed his prostate cancer diagnosis - sharing that he has received treatment and undergone surgery, urging men to 'bite the bullet and swallow their pride and admit if they have problems'. 

North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust surgeon Jyoti Shah MBE and her team are dedicated to raising awareness of what is now (according to Prostate Cancer UK) the most common cancer in the UK. 

Miss Shah (pictured) said: “Prostate cancer is a silent killer, but it is a cancer that we can cure if we pick it up early enough. It is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with one in eight being diagnosed as some point in their lives - and for men from an Afro-Caribbean heritage, the risk is one in four.

 

“A lot of men like to bury their head in the sand when it comes to their health. They are often too busy to go to their doctor or to access the relevant services.

“But because prostate cancer often doesn't have any symptoms - they won't appreciate the need to go and get checked for a problem that effectively doesn't exist. However, because there are no signs, that doesn't mean that it's not there.

Miss Shah added: “My message to men is to go and get checked. Yes, there may be a little embarrassment, but the checks are quick, easy and painless. Don't put it off or make the excuse of being too busy.

“This also applies to other health concerns they may have.” 

Men's Health Week raises awareness of the health issues that affect men disproportionately and focuses on getting men to become more aware of health problems they may have or could develop and gain the courage to do something about it.  

By focusing on preventive measures, early detection, and proactive health management, Men's Health Week plays a crucial role in encouraging men to take responsibility for their well-being. It aims to reduce the stigma surrounding men's health issues, promote open dialogue, and empower men to make informed decisions about their health.

 

Useful links

 

Men's Health Week 2026 | Men's Health Forum

Prostate Cancer UK | Prostate Cancer UK