Men’s Health Week 2025: early diagnosis saves lives

As Men’s Health Week (9-15 June) commences, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (ICB) is urging men to prioritise their health by seeking early diagnosis for both physical and mental health concerns.

Statistics indicate that men are less likely to engage with healthcare services promptly, often leading to late detection of serious conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and mental health disorders. Early diagnosis is crucial in improving treatment outcomes and saving lives.

This Men’s Health Week, under the theme ‘Shoulder to Shoulder: Connecting for Health’, the ICB is encouraging men across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes to talk openly with their friends about health and wellbeing. Conversations about getting blood pressure checked, attending screenings, and taking up prevention opportunities can make a real difference to health. Too often, symptoms are ignored or check-ups delayed, but early action saves lives. By checking in with friends and normalising these conversations, men can help each other stay well – even through a simple chat.

Dr Andrew Rochford, chief medical officer at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“Men often delay seeking medical advice, sometimes until symptoms become severe. We want to use Men’s Health Week to encourage men to take charge of their health.

“Health isn’t just a personal responsibility: it’s something we can support each other with. We are asking men to stand shoulder to shoulder, to change the story on men’s health, this week and every week. Early diagnosis isn’t just beneficial – it’s life-saving.”

The NHS website offers non-judgmental information on a wide range of symptoms, tests and treatments for physical, mental and sexual health conditions.  It’s available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to empower everyone with information and tools to make informed health decisions.