Minister urges men to improve health

ACT Minister for Health, Katy Gallagher MLA, has used the start of Movember to urge Canberra men to take action to improve their health, to be aware of the signs and symptoms of common health conditions, and to seek advice and help when required.

“Movember is all about raising awareness of men’s health issues, specifically prostate cancer and depression,” Ms Gallagher said.

“Statistics collated to inform the development of an ACT Men’s Health Plan indicate that one in 11 men in the ACT aged over 16 report high psychological distress and yet they were less likely than ACT women to report having a mental health condition,” she said.

“The figures also indicate that men are more likely than women to smoke or consume alcohol at risky levels, and although they are less likely to be obese or to have insufficient levels of physical activity; only one in 20 men consumed sufficient vegetables to meet nutritional guidelines.”

The Minister said males also comprised 71% of problem gamblers in the ACT and this was of concern given that excessive gambling had the potential to harm relationships, work practices, finances, physical and mental health.

“With these statistics in mind, it’s important that all ACT men take stock of their health, seek help if help is required, and to use Movember as a catalyst for better health,” Ms Gallagher said.

“On the positive side, the life expectancy for ACT males has increased from78.5 years in 1999 to 80 years in 2006,” she said.

“That’s higher than the Australian average and compares favourably to most industrialised countries.”

Ms Gallagher said in the 2004–05 National Health Survey 59.4% of ACT men aged 15 years and over assessed their health as very good or excellent, a notable increase from the 50.9% in 2001.

The most common cause of male mortality was heart disease, accounting for around 1 in 4 deaths.

By the age of 75 years, one in three ACT males will have been diagnosed with cancer at some time in their lives.  Over the period 2000–04, prostate, colorectal, melanoma and lung cancer accounted for over 60% of all cancers registered for ACT males.

“Movember presents a great opportunity for ACT men to think about their health and start living and leading healthier lifestyles,” she said.

A starting point for information is the 'Men's Health' link in the 'Health Services' section of the ACT Health website www.health.act.gov.au/healthservices which provides a comprehensive listing of Men's health services available locally, nationally and internationally.

1 November 2009