Men's Health Month: Prioritising Your Wellbeing
When Men’s Health Month and Movember fall in the UK, the health issues they spotlight, and simple checks you can do today.
When is Men’s Health Month in the UK?
Men’s Health Month and Men’s Health Week are in June in the UK — Men’s Health Week 2026 runs 15 to 21 June, organised by the Men’s Health Forum — while November is Movember, also known as Men’s Health Awareness Month. The confusion is understandable: some sources treat June as the health month and others treat November as the awareness month, and US and UK usage of the terms differ.
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June: Men’s Health Month and Men’s Health Week (15–21 June 2026), run by the Men’s Health Forum
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November: Movember and Men’s Health Awareness Month, run by Movember UK
What’s behind those moustaches this November?
As the days grow shorter, moustaches are sprouting across top lips everywhere, marking Men's Health Month. It’s more than just a seasonal trend - it's a reminder to men everywhere to take charge of their health.
Be Aware: Men's Health Matters
Did you know men are less likely to prioritise their health compared to women? This November, break the mould. Men’s Health Month shines a spotlight on key health issues affecting men, such as:
- Prostate cancer: Learn the symptoms and act early
- Testicular health: Get familiar with what’s normal and consult a clinician if something feels off
Participating in initiatives like Movember or No Shave November can help raise awareness and funds for vital causes. It’s a great way to contribute to your health and the wellbeing of others while having fun.
Movember and Men’s Health Awareness Month (November)
November’s observance gives a strong focus to men’s mental health and suicide prevention, alongside prostate and testicular cancer, according to Movember UK. The moustache-growing campaign is the fundraising and awareness hook, with No Shave November running alongside it. You can take part by:
- Growing (or supporting someone growing) a moustache through November
- Setting up or donating to a Movember fundraising page
- Using the month as a prompt to check in on a male friend or family member’s mental health
- Booking any overdue health checks you’ve been putting off
Build healthy habits that stick
As the November nights grow darker, it’s tempting to hibernate. But Men’s Health Month is the perfect opportunity to kick-start healthier habits.
- Compete in a step challenge or cycle your way to fitness
- Arrange walking meetings to stay active during the workday
- Swap sugary snacks for healthier options
If you're looking for guidance, Doctor Care Anywhere’s ‘My Health’ wellbeing platform offers personalised tips on nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and managing stress - all accessible from your phone.
For more on building sustainable habits through the darker months, see our winter wellbeing tips guide.
The main men’s health issues to be aware of
Awareness campaigns tend to spotlight the same core conditions, because early action makes the biggest difference:
- Prostate cancer: the most common cancer in men in the UK — symptoms can include needing to urinate more often or urgently; see a GP if these persist
- Testicular cancer: most common in younger men — a monthly self-check helps you notice any new lump or change in size or texture early
- Heart disease and stroke: largely preventable — knowing your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers is the simplest early check
- Diabetes: often has no early symptoms — a GP can check your risk with a simple blood test if you’re concerned
- Mental health: men are statistically less likely to seek help — noticing changes in mood, sleep or motivation early makes support easier to access
Get Your ‘Man MOT’
Taking care of your car is important - but are you paying the same attention to your own health?
A quick DIY Man MOT can help you spot potential issues early. Or, if you’d prefer professional support, book a video call with a Doctor Care Anywhere GP or Advanced Clinical Practitioner (ACP) who specialises in men’s health for personalised advice.
Stay proactive - early detection is key to addressing many health concerns. You can also get a clearer picture of your health with an at-home blood test from our partner Medichecks — covering everything from cholesterol to testosterone, with 10% off using code DCA10.
How to do a simple men’s health self-check
You don’t need a formal Man MOT to get started — try this simple checklist:
- Know your numbers: ask a GP or pharmacist to check your blood pressure and get a sense of a healthy weight range for you
- Do a monthly testicular self-check: gently roll each testicle between your thumb and fingers, feeling for any lumps or changes — see the NHS method and our full guide to getting to know your testicles for more detail
- Be aware of prostate symptoms: such as needing to urinate more often, urgently, or difficulty starting
- Notice changes in mood or sleep: lasting low mood, irritability or disrupted sleep are worth mentioning to a GP too
If anything feels abnormal at any point, speak to a clinician — most changes turn out to be nothing serious, but it’s always worth checking.
Mental health matters: Men cry too
It’s time to challenge the stigma around men’s mental health. Research shows men are less likely to seek help for emotional struggles, even though they face the same mental health challenges as anyone else.
This Men's Health Month, remember: It’s OK to not be OK. Strengthen your mental wellbeing by:
- Building social connections - join friends for coffee, organise a team meal, or reach out to someone who might be struggling
- Talking openly - while it might feel daunting, reaching out is an important first step
- If you’re feeling overwhelmed, professional help is always available. Speak to a DCA Mental Health Practitioner who understands men’s health to get the support you need
Doctor Care Anywhere: Your health, anytime
At Doctor Care Anywhere, we’re here to support your physical and mental wellbeing 24/7. Whether you need help tackling small concerns before they grow or you want to discuss something confidentially, our clinicians are just a video call away.
This Men’s Health Month, prioritise you. From building healthier habits to accessing professional support, take charge of your health today. Speak with a GP or Mental Health Practitioner for tailored advice specific to men’s health - it's time to take action.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Men’s Health Month and Movember, answered by our GPs.
Yes — June is Men’s Health Month and includes Men’s Health Week (15 to 21 June 2026). November’s Movember is a separate, distinct awareness month, which is the most common point of confusion.
November is Movember, also called Men’s Health Awareness Month, with a particular focus on mental health, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. The moustache-growing campaign is the fundraising and awareness hook behind it.
Awareness campaigns most commonly focus on prostate and testicular cancer, heart disease and stroke, diabetes, and mental health. Early checks and speaking to a GP about any changes make the biggest difference across all of them.
Movember gives a strong focus to men’s mental health and suicide prevention alongside physical health in November, though mental health is also a recurring theme throughout June’s Men’s Health Week.