Tag: Mens Health Week

Men’s Health Week: AAA screening

For #menshealthweek, we are highlighting screening.

Today: AAA screening. All men 65 or over are offered an ultrasound scan to check for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA) and will receive an invitation the year they turn 65.

Learn more: http://nhsinform.scot/aaascreening

#ScotsScreening

Men aged 65 are invited for a one-off simple ultrasound of the abdomen (tummy) to detect a AAA. Treating a AAA early greatly reduces the chance of it causing serious problems.

It could save your life.

For more information: www.nhsinform.scot/aaascreening

#menshealthweek

#ScotsScreening

Men’s Sheds to pop up in Scotmid stores during Men’s Health Week!

The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) has teamed up with Scotmid, for Men’s Health Week (13th – 19th June 2022).

The leading community retailer invited Shedders into their stores to help raise awareness of Men’s Sheds at a community level and to broaden awareness of the wealth of benefits Sheds bring to men’s overall health and wellbeing.

In the UK, men aged 40-49 have the highest rates of suicide*. The Men’s Shed aims to encourage men to have open and honest conversations around mental health, to help tackle loneliness and wider challenges they face and feel unable to talk about.

Carluke Men’s Shed popped up in Scotmid’s Law store and recruited three new members before lunch! Shedders were on hand to chat to customers and answer any questions they had about the charity and the products they produce.

Shirley MacGillivray, Head of Communities and Membership at Scotmid, said: “We are delighted to team up with the SMSA to raise awareness of Men’s Sheds during this important week.

“We recognise the part we can play to improve the health and wellbeing of our employees and the communities that we serve, and this is the perfect way to mark and support Men’s Health Week in our Scottish stores.”

Scotmid has previously been a SMSA award sponsor, supports many sheds across Scotland and welcomes Community Grant applications from individual Sheds.


Jason Schroeder, SMSA Chief Executive Officer, said: “The SMSA is working in partnership with Scotmid to offer this excellent opportunity for Sheds to showcase the services and facilities that they have to offer men aged 18 and over.

“It’s important that we encourage men to get together within their local community and connect with each other.  After all, conversation is hugely important for our health and wellbeing.”

The SMSA now has over 129 sheds open across Scotland, with 72 further sheds proposed or in development.

One of the charity’s core objectives is to put an emphasis on how important it is for men to connect with their local community.

Men’s Health Week: A quarter of UK men have never checked themselves for testicular cancer 

  • 46% of 18–24-year-olds have never checked themselves
  • Nearly a quarter (23%) of men don’t recognise lumps as a symptom of cancer 
  • Leading GP gives her step-by-step guide on how to check for signs 

This week is Men’s Health Week, and research has found that, shockingly, more than a quarter (26%) of UK males have never checked themselves for signs of testicular cancer, while another 15% only check themselves once a year or less. 

A new study, commissioned by health experts at Livi, the online GP service, has found that surprising numbers of men are not checking themselves for testicular cancer, despite it becoming increasingly common, with an increase of 24% since the 90s1. 

Younger generations appear to be significantly less likely to check their testicles, with nearly half (46%) of 18–24-year-olds admitting that they had never checked themselves for cancer. This is particularly concerning as testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer amongst young men, particularly those in their early 30’s2. 

However, older generations appeared to be significantly more likely to check themselves. Those aged 25–34 years old were found to be the most likely, with only 21% stating they had never checked their testicles.  

The survey also revealed which signs of the cancer men are most likely to recognise, with over three quarters (77%) of men recognising lumps as a symptom, but only a third (34%) identifying heaviness in the scrotum and a difference in appearance between the testicles (33%) as potential signs. 

The 5 most recognisable signs of testicular cancer 

1.       Lumps – 77% knew this was a sign 

2.       Enlargement of testicles – 58% 

3.       Pain or discomfort in testicles – 46% 

4.       Heaviness in scrotum – 34% 

5.       Difference in appearance between testicles – 33% 

Additionally, many men incorrectly identified unrelated symptoms as signs of cancer, including sexual impotence (18%) and discomfort in the penis (21%). 

Dr Rhianna McClymont, Lead GP at Livi, provides a step-by-step guide for checking for signs of testicular cancer: 

·       The best time to check yourself is during, or after a warm bath or shower. This helps to relax the testicles and make them easier for you to examine. 

·       Hold your testicle in your palm and gently examine each one with your thumb and forefinger.  

·       You’re looking for any type of abnormality, or difference in feel. Your testicles should feel smooth and firm, but not hard. 

·       Make sure you check yourself regularly and if you notice any lumps, or hardness in the testicles, get yourself checked by a medical professional as soon as possible. 

Dr. McClymont adds: “Testicular cancer, like any form of cancer, can strike at any age, but it’s more common in younger people, so we recommend beginning checks in puberty.  

“If you notice any lumps or difference in the feel of your testicles, then it’s important to speak to a doctor to get checked out immediately. These symptoms are not a guarantee you have cancer, but they can be indicators, so it’s always vital to see a medical professional if you spot any signs.” 

For more information on how to spot testicular cancer, visit: https://www.livi.co.uk/your-health/testicular-cancer-how-to-spot-the-signs/