Let's get men talking about their health.

By MAMAMIA TEAM

It’s a shocking statistic, but scarily compared to women, Australian men are 84 percent more likely to die of cancers that are common to both. That is 6,900 more male deaths in Australia per year.

Why is this?

We know that lifestyle factors play a huge role in cancer risk. Up to 30% of cancers are preventable through healthy choices such as not smoking, reducing alcohol intake, exercising regularly and healthy eating.

Research has proven women are better than men when it comes to talking to their friends about their health and lifestyle choices, many of which directly relate to increased cancer risk. Women don’t put off going to their GP as much, and they tend to be more vigilant with sun protection and cutting back on unhealthy habits.

Cancer Council NSW is taking action to reduce the cancer in men statistics through its new men’s health awareness and fundraising campaign Mate v Mate which aims to not only get men talking about their health – but also doing something about it.

One of the campaigns objectives is to also get the women in men’s lives (partners, friends etc) to support and encourage men to get involved.

Generally speaking men think much more practically than emotionally compared to women.  Longeran Research looked into mateship and health for Cancer Council and found that two in five (41%) men talk to their mates about their health in comparison to almost 70% of women.  Men are more likely to talk about new gadgets (66%), sports (66%) and work issues (57%) with their mates than health.

In comparison, women are most likely to talk about health (69%) with their friends, followed by relationship problems (60%), work issues (59%) and new gadgets (57%).

Cancer Council NSW is encouraging men (and the women in their lives) to think about the importance of their own personal health AND help reduce cancer in men through a fun and simple activity – Mate v Mate.

The idea is simple, we all know men love to compete with their mates – whether it’s a weekend footy match, an arm wrestle or card game, friendly rivalry is inherent in the male species.

Mate v Mate is all about having fun while helping a serious issue. Through Mate v Mate, men are encouraged to take on their mates at whatever challenge they like and then get their family and friends to ‘back them’ to win their challenge, with all funds going to Cancer Council NSW research, prevention and support services.

So, nag your partner about his health in a slightly more subtle way and while he is out doing his Mate v Mate challenge with the boys, why not organise your own girlie day with the ladies.

All funds raised through Mate v Mate go towards important research, prevention and support services for cancer in men.

To find out more visit www.matevmate.com.au.