Researchers at Queen’s University Belfast are conducting the first large-scale survey of prostate intraepithelial neoplasia patients and individuals with other precancerous conditions to investigate the effect of being diagnosed and living with a precancerous condition.  They are particularly interested to know more about how men feel about prostate intraepithelial neoplasia and the impact, if any, this has had on their life since diagnosis.  The findings from this study will be used to inform future healthcare service provision for individuals with precancers and will be published in a scientific peer reviewed journal.  To learn more about this study and to take part, visit: http://go.qub.ac.uk/QUBPIP1  All responses to the survey will be anonymous, and it should take no longer than 15-20 minutes to complete.

Thursday 15th March 2018 saw the launch of the 'Middle-Aged Men and Suicide in Ireland' report at the 'Men in the Middle' Men's Health Symposium in Dr Steevens' Hospital, Dublin.

Over the past ten years, the suicide rate among middle-aged men (40-59 years old) in the Republic of Ireland has been the highest of all age bands. The self-harm rate among this age group has also increased in recent years. This worrying situation is compounded by the fact that, within this cohort of men, there are a number of specific ‘at risk’ groups for whom suicide and suicidal behaviour is more prevalent.

This research - commissioned by the Men's Health Forum in Ireland (MHFI), funded by the National Office for Suicide Prevention, and undertaken by the National Centre for Men's Health in IT Carlow - explores the factors underpinning these statistics; with the aim of providing more effective and gender specific programmes, services, and resources to support men's mental health and wellbeing.  Download the full report at: www.mhfi.org/MAMRMreport.pdf

You are invited to the launch of the Cancer Caring Coping website.  The website (www.cancercaringcoping.com) has been co-designed by families affected by cancer to: provide real life experiences and examples of how to cope in the role of carer; provide tips and techniques; and signpost to available support.  The official launch will take place on Thursday 19th April 2018, from 12.30pm - 2.00pm, in the Lecture Theatre, Postgraduate Centre, Belfast City Hospital.  Light refreshments and lunch will be provided.  If you would like to attend, please contact Dr Olinda Santin at Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Tel: 02890 972292.

To help to celebrate Men’s Health Week 2018, the Belfast Men’s Health Group is holding a Photographic Competition.  In our day-to-day conversations, we often use the term ‘real man’.  At best, this is associated with the ‘traditional’ male roles of provider and protector.  However, at worst it is about negative things such as violence, risk-taking and self-destructive behaviours.  This competition seeks to challenge both of these views, and to use photographs to explore the many sides to men and their lives.  Contributors are, therefore, being asked to take a photo which explores the diverse faces / roles / identities / activities of men, and to submit images which clearly visualise the phrase ‘A real man is …’  To find out more and/or take part, see: www.mhfi.org/BMHGphoto2018.pdf

International Men's Health Week (MHW) always begins on the Monday before Father's Day and ends on Father's Day itself.  This coming year, it will run from Monday 11th until Sunday 17th June 2018.

Every year the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland (MHFI) convenes an all-island Planning Group for Men’s Health Week (MHW).  Would you be interested in joining with others from across the island of Ireland to help to shape MHW 2018?  This can be done in many ways - from participating in meetings to electronic communication.  All input is very welcome, and helps to make the week stronger and more relevant.

The first meeting of the Planning Group took place in January, and the next one will be held on Tuesday 27th February 2018, from 10.45am - 1.45pm (including lunch), in Dundalk, Co. Louth.  However, even if you cannot make the meetings, your ongoing feedback on developments via email / phone would still be very helpful.  If you would be interested in being part of the planning process for 2018 (in any way), email Colin Fowler at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

However, even if this is not possible, why not start thinking about how your group / workplace / church / community / sports club ...  could do something to mark this week?

Whittlesea Men’s Shed in Australia has compiled a manual on shopping for and cooking healthy meals.  It is aimed at men who live alone or who are now required to assume the role of planning, shopping and cooking meals and find this difficult. This booklet seeks to encourage men to be confident about preparing healthy meals on a limited budget, rather than taking the easy option of buying expensive convenience food.  You can see a PDF of the booklet on the Australian Men's Shed Association website at: https://mensshed.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Beginners_kitchen.pdf

With one person dying every hour from heart disease and stroke, more action is needed.  In association with RTE 2FM, the Irish Heart Foundation has launched ‘Show Some Heart’ this February.  This campaign calls upon Irish workplaces to do something special by organising an event to raise funds and highlight the issues of heart disease and stroke.  Find out more at: www.irishheart.ie

The social determinants of health have a disproportionate impact on mortality in men.  A study into the state of health of the male population in Leeds, England, was undertaken to guide public health commissioning decisions.  This study found that there appears to be a lack of sex/gender analysis of current cross-city data.  In areas of deprivation, a complex picture of multiple social problems emerged, with marked gender differences in the social determinants of health and males appearing to be more negatively affected.  Find out more at: https://link.springer.com/epdf/10.1186/s12889-018-5076-7