International Men’s Health Week is celebrated every year around the world in the middle of June. It is an opportunity to raise awareness of preventive health issues and promote early detection and management of disease among men and boys.
The theme of Men’s Health Week 2023 is Healthy Habits – focusing on encouraging men and boys to build healthy habits by identifying small changes they can make that benefit their health and wellbeing.
Men’s Cancer Prevention in Australia takes centre stage during Men’s Health Week, as it strives to educate and empower men to adopt proactive measures in reducing their cancer risk. Prevention is key, and several initiatives aim to promote healthy lifestyles and raise awareness about modifiable risk factors.
Preventable instances of cancer primarily stem from six lifestyle elements: smoking tobacco, UV exposure, an unhealthy diet, being overweight or obese, alcohol consumption, and inadequate physical activity. Men have the ability to alter their circumstances and bridge the health disparities that exist between genders and that starts with healthy habits.
Men’s Health Week is the prime opportunity for men to put their health first and improve short and long-term outcomes. Your daily habits make a big difference to your everyday health and by taking small steps you can reduce your cancer risk.
Consider reducing alcohol intake, improving your diet and exercising regularly, along with being sun safe and quitting smoking, and if eligible, taking part in the national bowel cancer screening program.
If you are due for an annual check-up or are experiencing any unusual symptoms, book in with your GP to discuss.
