Movember matters: 5 biggest killers of men - and what you can do about them

Every November, men grow moustaches to support Movember, "a movement dedicated to improving men's health." Men in the UK face higher premature mortality rates than women, often from preventable causes, yet many avoid medical care or discussing health concerns.

1. Heart Disease

Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of premature death among men in the UK, developing silently without obvious symptoms.

Risk factors: Poor diet, inactivity, smoking, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol

Actions you can take:

• Improve nutrition with fruits and vegetables
• Exercise 30+ minutes daily
• Schedule regular health screenings
• Quit smoking

2. Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the deadliest cancers affecting UK men, and tragically, many cases are preventable.

Risk factors: Smoking (primary cause), secondhand smoke exposure, occupational hazards

Actions you can take:

• Quit smoking
• Avoid smoky environments
• Report persistent cough, weight loss, or shortness of breath immediately

3. Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK. Risk increases significantly after age 50 or with family history.

Symptoms: Difficulty urinating, increased frequency (especially nighttime), weak flow

Actions you can take:

• Discuss screening with your GP at 50+ (or 45+ with family history)
• Monitor any changes in urinary habits

4. Bowel Cancer

Early detection dramatically improves survival rates for bowel cancer.

Risk factors: Age, family history, low-fiber diet, processed meat consumption, inactivity, excess weight

Actions you can take:

• Increase fiber intake
• Exercise regularly
• Monitor bowel changes and stool abnormalities
• Complete NHS screening kits when sent

5. Suicide

Suicide is the single biggest killer of men under 50 in the UK, often linked to social isolation and reluctance to seek help.

Risk factors: Isolation, emotional suppression, mental health stigma, financial or relationship stress

Actions you can take:

• Talk openly about struggles
• Ask concerned friends if they're okay
• Contact support services when needed

Support Resources

• Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7)
• CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
• Mind mental health charity

Conclusion

Movember encourages regular health check-ups, peer support, body awareness, and reducing stigma around seeking help. The movement transcends facial hair—it's fundamentally about fostering dialogue around men's wellbeing.