Men's Health Awareness Week 15th-21st June 2026
An introduction to this years Men's Health Awareness Week from our Branch's own Men's Officer - Chris Priestly
Hi everyone,
My name is Chris Priestley, I am the Mens Health Officer for the CWU Great Western Branch.
This week is Men's Health Awareness Week, so i thought i would address some of the main issues that face men in the modern world.
As men we are all under an increasing amount of pressure from both work and home life. Most men are very hard on themselves and add expectation to their own lives by feeling they don’t want to be seen as being weak or vulnerable, As men we don’t talk to each other about our feelings and that we are struggling, its often because we don’t want our family to have to deal with ‘A broken man’, it's not an image we want our children and loved ones to see.
It's time we changed the narrative; Men are 3-4 times more likely to die from suicide than women.
Let's change this and try to be more open about feelings and just accept ‘ That Men Need Support’.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the UK.
More than 64,000 men are diagnosed annually.
Men aged 50 and above, of Black African or Black Caribbean origin are more at risk, but there is free screening available through your GP, just for a PSA test, the earlier it is diagnosed the more chance of survival, don’t risk your health, get the test and change the figures.
Many people believe that heart disease is something that affects older people, but this is not the case, 1 in 5 heart attacks now occur in adults under 40.
Causes of heart disease in younger years is down to diets heavy in processed food, physical inactivity, chronic stress and inconsistent sleep schedules.
Also smoking, Vaping and the use of illicit drugs can significantly increase heart strain and trigger sudden events.
Untreated high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes can also contribute to heart disease.
Regular checks through your GP are a good way of keeping yourself aware of what is going on in your body and regular exercise.
If you have any concerns about any of the health issues above feel free to contact me or any member of The CWU Great Western Branch, we will be happy to offer our help and support.
ONE STEP AT A TIME
This year the branch supports a unified goal: "One Step at a Time."
Statistically, men face dying an average of 5 to 6 years earlier than women - frequently from preventable or manageable conditions.
The root cause is rarely just biological; it is behavioral. Society has long conditioned men to mask pain, disregard symptoms, and view asking for help as a vulnerability.
We continue to encourage members to dismantle these stigmas. We will continue to encourage men to treat their physical and mental health with the same proactive dedication they would give their careers or loved ones.
Below you will find the top 5 health challenges (both physical and mental), prevention and support strategies and charities that offer specialised support.
If you have any concerns go to the doctor or use ‘Smart Health’. It is better to know than not know.
Top 5 Health Challenges
1. Cardiovascular Disease (Heart Disease & Stroke)
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men. Signs to look out for:
- High blood pressure
- Elevated cholesterol
- Sedentary work environments and home life
- High-stress levels
2. Prostate & Colorectal Cancers
Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer among men, with risk multiplying after age 50. It has also been seen now affecting younger demographics due to ultra-processed diets and metabolic changes.
Remember: detect early → live fully
3. Depression and Severe Anxiety
Men experience depression at high rates, but it often manifests differently than the classic symptoms.
Look out for:
- Overt sadness
- Irritability
- Sudden anger
- Escapism (e.g. overworking)
- Substance Abuse
4. Suicide and Crisis Points
Suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 35, and men account for roughly 75% of all suicide victims. A lack of emotional outlets and late-stage crisis intervention mean that psychological distress turns fatal far too often.
What you can do:
- Speak to friends and family
- Use the EAP
- Use the Counselling Directory
- Do a hobby you enjoy
5. Metabolic Syndrome & Type 2 Diabetes
Driven by rising rates of abdominal obesity, metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions including high blood sugar and excess body fat—that exponentially increases a man's risk for diabetes, kidney failure, and erectile dysfunction (ED).
Prevention & Support Strategies
Combatting these risks does not require a complete lifestyle overhaul overnight. Small, daily actions, ‘one step at a time’ can start helping towards combating some of these health challenges.
- Schedule Routine Screening: Such as regular blood pressure checks and diabetes tests. Men over 50 (or younger if a family history exists) should consult a pharmacist or GP about Prostate screenings and bowel cancer test kits.
- The "Rule of 30" Exercise: Prioritize at least 30 minutes of movement (like brisk walking, cycling, or lifting weights) 3 days a week. This directly combats metabolic syndrome and lowers high blood pressure.
- Normalize the "Check-In": Practice talking openly with friends, partners, or peers when feeling overwhelmed. Normalize these conversations to reduces the pressure of "bottling things up."
- Utilize Community Pharmacies: Healthcare is shifting toward localized care. Community pharmacies are increasingly equipped to handle basic health checks, lifestyle counseling, and early diagnostic screening without needing a formal doctor's appointment.
Charities Offering Support
If you or a man in your life needs support, these charities offer specialized support and resources:
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) - thecalmzone.net
Andy’s Man Club - andysmanclub.co.uk
Prostate Cancer UK - prostatecanceruk.org
Mates in Mind - Men’s Health Week 15-21 June 2026 resources | Mates in Mind
Take Action: This Men's Health Awareness Week, take just one step: book that long-delayed checkup, message a friend you haven't spoken to in a while, commit to daily movement.
