Cancer Council WA flags preventable health issues affecting men and offers practical training for health professionals

With Men’s Health Week 2025 underway until 15th June, Cancer Council WA has flagged the week as a vital opportunity to spotlight preventable health issues affecting men, and to encourage earlier detection and treatment of serious conditions.

In a society that often idolises the idea of ‘being strong’, Cancer Council WA notes “it’s time to reframe what real strength means. True strength lies in taking responsibility for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being not suffering in silence.”

Cancer Council WA share the following Statistics

• On average, men die five years earlier than women (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2023) and are more likely to avoid routine checkups, delay seeking medical advice, or downplay symptoms. This reluctance contributes to men being disproportionately affected by:

• 54% of male deaths in Australia being potentially avoidable

• Men are less likely to visit a doctor than women, with more than 60% of GP consultations being with female patients.

• Men are less likely to undergo screening for bowel cancer, diabetes and mental health (AIHW & RACGP, 2021–2023)

• Three out of four suicides are men (ABS, 2022)

Many of these conditions are preventable or more manageable with early intervention and small lifestyle changes.

Breaking the Stigma
In Cancer Council WA’s latest ‘Keeping Up With the PaSCE’ podcast episode, they spoke with Glen Poole, Chief Executive of the Australian Men’s Health Forum, about what keeps men from seeking help when they need it. One of the biggest barriers, he shared, is stigma - the outdated belief that asking for help is a sign of weakness, and when health is sought systems don’t validate us.

You can listen to the whole episode, or subscribe to the podcast via Spotify 

The Role of the Workplace
Cancer Council WA highlight that workplaces are in a powerful position to raise awareness, reduce health inequalities, and support better outcomes for men and suggest the following:

• Encourage open conversations about mental health

• Just listen

• Normalise taking time off for health checkups

• Host health talks or screenings during the week- there are many running daily during this week

• Provide access to confidential support services

• Promote a culture were looking after your health is seen as a strength not a setback

• Even a small initiative like inviting a guest speaker or sharing personal health stories can make a lasting impact.

Cancer Council WA wants to change the narrative:

• Don’t ignore that nagging injury.

• Book that overdue doctor’s appointment.

• If you’re not feeling like yourself, reach out for support.

PaSCE’s Professional Development Education (PDE) offers practical training for health professionals to strengthen communication, active listening, and interpersonal skills - key to building trust and rapport, especially with male patients who may find it harder to open up.

Take the next step in providing person-centred support for men’s health.

Register for upcoming education.

Goals of Patient Care (GOPC)
17th June
0830-1230

Eliciting and Responding to Emotional Cues (EREC)
31st July
0830-1300

Spots are limited- register at Eventbrite- Professional Development Education

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