"The protection market should do its part, encouraging men to prioritise health by providing access to care, services, and solutions that enable them to act."
Implemented in 2022, the Women’s Health Strategy for England is a 10-year plan aimed at addressing systemic issues within the healthcare system to improve women’s health & wellbeing.
Although women live longer, they often spend more years in worse health, limiting their ability to partake in daily life.
“This strategy also highlights the need for greater focus on women-specific health conditions and under-representation of women in clinical trials.”
While it’s too early to measure its impact, the Women’s Health Strategy has received significant attention, with nearly 100k respondents to the call for evidence - this highlights the importance of supporting women’s health. Meanwhile, Prof Dame Lesley Regan’s appointment as Women’s Health Ambassador for England has been crucial to ensuring women’s health stays on the Government’s agenda.
Given the success of the Women’s Health Strategy, is it time for a Men’s Health Strategy?
The answer is yes.
Globally, men and boys are disproportionately affected by conditions that lead to early death, such as heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic kidney disease. Men are also more likely to die from occupational injuries. Conditions such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and male-specific genetic disorders such as Klinefelter syndrome require targeted awareness.
“Conditions like Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia affect men due to differences in anatomy & physiology, underscoring the need for a Men’s Health Strategy.”
In England & Wales, the suicide rate amongst men and boys rose to 17.4 deaths per 100k in 2023 – the highest rate since 1999. Men are historically less likely to open up and engage in therapy. Men are less likely to access talking therapies; more women were referred to the NHS for anxiety and depression in 2021-22.
Despite these statistics, the Government has yet to announce a comprehensive nationwide policy to address men’s health. Whilst several countries have started rolling out initiatives (particularly in Europe), the UK lags behind. In my opinion, any Men’s Health Strategy should consider interventions for behavioural risks such as substance abuse and addiction, which typically begin at an early age.
“The protection market is already making strides in championing men’s health, but the industry could strengthen its provision by offering targeted solutions, tailored health plans, and promoting preventive care.”
This presents a real opportunity for health & wellbeing providers to offer services, training, and consultancy. By providing coverage for regular health screenings and mental health services, we can encourage men to take proactive steps towards their health.
Partnerships with charities can amplify the reach and impact of men’s health campaigns. For example, Movember funds men’s health-related research and partners with organisations to provide support services. Movember’s funding for prostate cancer research has allowed researchers to explore genetic similarities between prostate, breast, and ovarian cancers – this benefits both genders.
“The Women’s Health Strategy has set a precedent for addressing gender-specific health issues.”
Whilst men don’t face the same health-related issues or lack of representation, I believe it’s still time for a Men’s Health Strategy to ensure that men’s health receives the attention it needs. The protection market should do its part, encouraging men to prioritise health by providing access to care, services, and solutions that enable them to act.
