ON November 6, the World Health Organisation (WHO) used its public WhatsApp channel to broadcast an important message: “November, or Movember, is Men’s Health Month. Throughout the month, men were encouraged to grow mustaches to raise awareness and spark conversations about health issues like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health. Let’s go beyond conversation and take action!” The message further stated, “Women have a role to play too! Encourage and support the men in your life to take the steps needed to improve their health,” before providing a web link for more details. Inspired by this call to action, there was a strong urge to delve into diseases peculiar to men and bring them to light. However, a quieter voice suggested pausing to observe the media landscape to assess the level of awareness campaigns and engagement. As November progressed, it became apparent that despite the importance of men’s health, the subject was overshadowed by other significant events like World Diabetes Day (November 14), Cervical Cancer Elimination Day (November 17), World Toilet Day (November 19), and the Anti-Microbial Resistance Awareness Week (November 18–24).
The goal of Men’s Health Awareness Month is to encourage men to talk about their health and seek support when needed. It focuses on issues like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health challenges, and suicide prevention. Bringing the conversation closer to home, men are disproportionately affected by heart disease, cancer, and mental health issues, yet many adopt a “stiff upper lip” mentality, often choosing to endure symptoms rather than seek help. This reluctance is alarming. Globally, men die an average of 4.5 years earlier than women, with 86 percent of these deaths attributed to non-communicable diseases and injuries, according to a 2019 WHO study. Prostate cancer remains a significant health concern worldwide, with over 1.4 million cases diagnosed in 2020 and an age-standardised incidence rate (ASIR) of 30.7 per 100,000 males. In Nigeria, it is the most common cancer among men, accounting for 11–15.1 percent of all male cancers. Between 2009 and 2016, data from 15 cancer registries in Nigeria recorded 4,091 cases, with 80 percent deemed incurable at diagnosis. This underscores the lack of investment in men’s healthcare.
Mental health is another area plagued by harmful stereotypes and societal expectations. An estimated 40 to 60 million Nigerians suffer from various mental health disorders. The country ranks fifth globally in suicide rates, with about 15,000 cases per 100,000 people. For men, societal pressures to fulfill financial and family responsibilities exacerbate their mental health struggles. Failure to meet these expectations often earns them harsh labels like “irresponsible,” further driving depression. On the cardiovascular front, heart diseases, high blood pressure, and strokes remain leading causes of death among men. Occupational hazards also contribute significantly to premature deaths, while lifestyle choices such as smoking, poor diets, alcohol consumption, and exposure to interpersonal violence increase health risks. Men’s health issues are compounded by risk-taking behaviors and underutilization of healthcare services, which are consistent across many countries. These trends highlight the importance of leveraging platforms like Men’s Health Month to challenge societal norms and encourage proactive health management.
David Samadi, a world-renowned urologist and prostate cancer expert, aptly observed that, “Men’s health is not just about physical health, but also about mental and emotional wellbeing.” His words emphasize that men’s health has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the individuals but also their families and communities. Although this year’s Men’s Health Awareness Month has come to an end, the mission does not stop here. Instead, it should mark the beginning of sustained efforts to keep the conversation alive, promote healthy living, and drive awareness year-round. This is an urgent appeal to individuals, organizations, and policymakers to prioritise men’s health issues and foster environments that encourage men to seek help without fear of stigma or judgment. Together, we can ensure that men’s health receives the attention it truly deserves.
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