Men's Health Awareness Month To raise awareness of some of the biggest health issues faced by men, and in support of those tackling prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide, this month we are promoting Men’s Health Awareness Month.
Prostate and testicular cancer: Information, signs and symptoms Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the UK. Prostate cancer often grows slowly and symptoms may not develop for many years. Signs to look out for includ: difficulty urinating – for example, a weak flow or having to strain to start peeing needing to urinate more often than usual, especially at night feeling like you have not completely emptied your bladder after peeing
an urgent need to pee blood in the urine or semen rarely, pain when peeing or ejaculating
If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to have them checked by your doctor. You can find further information and support for prostate cancer here. Testicular cancer Every year around 2,300 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer, which is the most common cancer in men aged 25-49. The most common symptom of testicular cancer is a lump in a testicle. There may also be other symptoms including:
a swelling or a lump in a testicle, which is usually painless, but may suddenly get bigger and become painful a dull ache or pain, or feeling of heaviness in the scrotum If the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body, it may cause: pain in the back or lower abdomen weight loss a cough breathlessness feeling unwell a lump in the neck It is important that you regularly check your testicles for any changes. For a guide on how to check please click here. You can find further information and support for testicular cancer here.
'Be Prostate Aware' webinar If you wish to learn more about prostate & testicular cancer click here to register in advance to join the webinar with Check4Cancer on Thursday 18 November 10.30am.
Mental health We all need to take care of our mental health, and when we struggle with it, it is important to ask for help and speak to someone about your worries. On average, 13 men each day take their life by suicide in the UK and men aged 40-49 have the highest suicide rate. The construction industry has the highest rate of suicide. This is why it is so important for us to talk, stop the stigma surrounding around mental health and work together to support one another and start the conversation. Signs of poor mental health and suicide
uncharacteristic behaviour low levels of engagement changes in sleeping or eating behaviours
disinterest in work or day-to-day activities increased absence changes in working patterns irrational fears, paranoia or anxiety
If you are concerned about a colleague, friend or relative, there are things you can do to help them: let them know you are there to listen to them without judgement someone who is experiencing mental health problems may find it hard to reach out, so try to keep in touch - a text message or a phone call could make a big difference
For information, tools and links on many areas of health and wellbeing please click here to visit our My Barratt Benefits website