While we've been focused on the pandemic we've taken our eyes off other serious conditions. Early stage cancer diagnoses fell by third in first lockdown and that shortfall has continued. Macmillan highlight that around 50,000 men have missed a cancer diagnosis during the pandemic.
Prostate cancer diagnoses, for example, were down 29% between 2019 and 2020. That's not because prostate cancer is getting rarer (it isn't), but because men weren't seeing their GPs to begin to get diagnosed. Indeed, male GP visits fell more than female visits. There were good reasons for this fall during lockdown but not now.
Meanwhile, NHS Health Checks, which should be offered to most people over 40, were paused during Covid. They should be being restarted (from April 2022).
All of this gives us even more reason to keep an eye on our own bodies and minds and give ourselves an MOT. The messages to men are simple: it's time for your MOT.
- Take notice of what's going on in your body and mind.
- Get an NHS Health Check
- Go and see your GP if you're concerned about any symptoms
- Speak to someone if you are worried or concerned
- Your mental health is important
It's Men's Health Month and it's time for your MOT!
Men’s health UK has some useful information regarding physical health and mental health and wellbeing and the information can be accessed at the link below:
