Partnership Primary Care Centre

November is Men's Health Awareness Month!

This month focuses on increasing awareness about the various health challenges men may encounter throughout their lives, including:

- Testicular cancer

- Prostate cancer

- Mental health concerns.

Testicular Cancer

In the UK, approximately 2,400 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year. This condition primarily affects men between the ages of 15 and 45, making it the most prevalent cancer among men aged 25-49, according to Cancer Research UK.

Nearly 47% of those diagnosed are under 35 years old, and each year, around 60 young men lose their lives to this disease. However, 98% of men survive for at least 10 years after treatment.

Visit the NHS website to learn about the symptoms of testicular cancer. 

Prostate Cancer

In the UK, approximately 52,300 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed each year, averaging more than 140 each day! One in six men in the UK will face a diagnosis of prostate cancer during their lifetime, with the highest prevalence among men aged 75 to 79. Each year, around 11,500 men lose their lives to this disease. However, 78% of men survive for at least 10 years after treatment.

Visit the NHS website to learn about the symptoms of prostate cancer. 

Mental Health

According to Gov.uk:

- Men are three times more likely to commit suicide than women.

- One in eight men experiences a common mental health problem.

The Mental Health Foundation reports that:

- Men aged 40 to 49 have the highest suicide rates in the UK.

- Men generally report lower levels of life satisfaction compared to women, according to the Government’s national well-being survey.

- Only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are for men, indicating they are less likely to access psychological support.

Additionally, men are more prone to going missing, experiencing homelessness, developing alcohol dependence, and using drugs.

If you’re concerned about your mental health or that of someone else, support is always available.

You can also:

- Self refer via our website

- Call your surgery to request an emergency appointment.

- Out of hours? Call 111 for assistance in finding the support you need.

- Contact your mental health crisis team if you have one.

Is your life in danger?

If you have seriously harmed yourself—such as by taking an overdose—or if you feel you may harm yourself, please call 999 for an ambulance or go directly to A&E.

Alternatively, ask someone else to call 999 or take you to A&E.

If you have ANY health concerns, please contact the practice to book an appointment.

Remember, we are always here to listen.

Disability History Month is an annual observance in the UK. This year it will take place from 14^th November to 20^th December. It aims to celebrate the achievements and contributions of disabled people throughout history, raise awareness about disability rights, and highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the disabled community.

The month features various events, activities, and educational initiatives that promote understanding of disability issues, encourage inclusivity, and advocate for equal rights. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the history of disability rights, the social model of disability, and the importance of creating an accessible society for all.

As a practice, we aim to contribute to a more inclusive and supportive environment for disabled people by:

Education and Training: Providing staff with training on disability awareness, helping them understand the challenges faced by disabled individuals.

Accessible Information: Ensure that all information, resources, and communication are accessible to people with various disabilities. This includes using plain language, providing materials in different formats, and ensuring physical accessibility.

We also use a digital registration form which meets the latest accessibility standards, WCAG 2.2 AA level, the UK Government recommended compliance level.

For more information, visit the UK Disability History month webpage.

This year, Carers Rights Day is on Thursday 21 November 2024 – and this year’s theme is recognising your rights.

Every day, 12,000 people become unpaid carers for a partner, family member or a friend – many of whom don’t see themselves as carers, often unaware of their legal rights and what they’re entitled to in terms of support and benefits. This year’s theme is ‘recognising your rights’ – and our aim is to help carers recognise and understand their rights, and to access the support available to them, whenever they need it.

As a carer, knowing your rights empowers you with information about what you’re entitled to. This helps you feel confident asking for what you need, as well as challenging things when your rights are not being met – whether that be in the workplace or education, in accessing health or social care, or when interacting with other professionals or at home.

Please visit Carers UK for more information.

Islington Carers Hub offers advice, information, and support to all carers aged 18 and over who live or work in Islington, or who care for someone 18 or older residing in the area.

The Hub serves as a comprehensive resource for carers in the borough, providing up to two years of support after their caring responsibilities have ended. Additionally, Islington Carers Hub offers strategic leadership on carers’ issues across health, social care, and both private and voluntary sectors.

Social prescribing can also assist unpaid carers in maintaining their health, well-being, and community connections. It is especially beneficial for those who may feel lonely, face mental health challenges, or have long-term conditions and complex social needs. If you’d like to speak with a social prescriber, please submit an e-consultation or call the practice on 020 3817 4431.