Welsh men urged to seek help as premature death rates spark call for health strategy

The premature death rate among Welsh men has triggered urgent calls for a dedicated government strategy, highlighted by the story of a Cardiff resident who discovered his cancer only after a physical accident.

Ben Lidgey was playing in his garden with his four-year-old son when he was accidentally kicked in the testicles. Although the injury caused significant pain that persisted for a week, Lidgey initially avoided seeing a doctor, assuming the issue would resolve itself. It was only when he sought medical attention that he was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

Lidgey, a Movember ambassador, described the initial reluctance many men feel toward seeking medical advice. He noted that in a busy household with two small children, it is easy to shrug off symptoms and believe they will pass.

Following treatment, Lidgey faced a different challenge. Although he felt physically recovered, his wife observed that his personality had changed, noting he was shorter-tempered and less patient. After undergoing counselling, Lidgey became an advocate for better mental health support for men and boys.

His experience underscores findings from a new report by the men’s charity Movember, which states that approximately one-third of men in Wales die before their 75th birthday. The charity is urging the Welsh government to implement a comprehensive men’s health plan.

In 2024, nearly 7,000 men died prematurely in Wales, a rate significantly higher than the 28% premature death rate recorded for women. The report attributes these deaths largely to preventable conditions, including certain cancers, heart and lung disease, liver disease, substance abuse, and suicide.

Geography and socioeconomic status also play critical roles. The premature mortality rate in Blaenau Gwent is about 60% higher than in Powys, and men in the most deprived communities can expect to live 7.5 years less than those in the least deprived areas. The economic impact is substantial, with the top five causes of male premature death costing the Welsh economy an estimated £1.4 billion annually.

Professor Jonathan Scourfield from Cardiff University pointed to persistent traditional masculinity norms as a key factor. He noted that young men are more likely to engage in physical risk-taking and may neglect building social networks, often relying on female partners for emotional connection. This can lead to severe loneliness after retirement or widowhood.

Scourfield added that despite the decline of heavy industry, social media and influencers continue to promote images of masculinity that discourage healthy eating and encourage heavy drinking.

In response to the report, a Welsh government spokesperson stated that existing strategies covering suicide prevention, mental health, and cancer are already addressing these challenges. The government emphasized its focus on prevention, early intervention, and improving access to mental health support and cancer screening.

Grassroots organizations are also making an impact. MenTribe, a support group based in Bangor and Snowdonia, helps men build resilience through outdoor activities. Co-founder Callum Tipton, a former army veteran who struggled with PTSD and depression, said the group provides a safe space for men to open up without the pressures associated with pubs or spending money.

Gavin Roberts, a member of MenTribe, lost one of his twin boys to twin-to-twin syndrome five years ago. His surviving son has half a heart and one functioning lung. Roberts found that traditional support networks often failed to understand his specific struggles, but the hiking group offered companionship and a way to process grief.

Welsh football legend John Hartson, who underwent emergency brain surgery in 2009 after testicular cancer spread to his brain and lungs, also supports the call for a health plan. Hartson admitted he ignored a lump due to ignorance of his own health, a decision he regrets because of the distress caused to his family. He also lost his brother to suicide earlier this year, highlighting the need to address high male suicide rates.