Too little attention has been paid to improving men's health

Howard Stoate MP

Men have a much lower life expectancy than women, are more likely to be overweight and drink heavily, putting them at risk of heart disease.

They are also more likely to get some of the most deadly cancers, and to have a serious accident at work or while driving.

However, the group says existing health services are better geared towards women, while men do not use GPs as much.

The government, it says, should tackle five key areas in order to improve men's health.

These are:

• Male heart disease - men must be encouraged to seek help quickly with chest pain, as well as lead a healthier lifestyle
• Male mental health - men are increasingly suffering from depression and anxiety. Men need to be encouraged, says the forum, to admit to mental problems
• Improving young men's health - this group is at greater risk from alcohol-related problems, suicide, smoking, drugs and unsafe sex.
• Targeting socially-disadvantaged men - these are at greater risk of a range of health problems
• Men's access to health services and information - initiatives to take healthcare into pubs, betting shops and leisure centres are cited as examples of good practice.

Dr Ian Banks, chairman of the forum, said: "If the health of men has any chance of being improved, health services must start targeting their needs more carefully.

"Men are not good at seeking medical help or recognising when they have a health problem."

The drive is supported by MP Dr Howard Stoate, who said: "Too little attention has been paid to improving men's health. This is despite the fact that men continue to die some five years younger than women and are much more likely to drink alcohol excessively."

Public Health Minister Yvette Cooper said the government planned to take action to improve men's health services.

She said: "By recognising the gender gap in health, we can see where the differences are and can modernise health promotion and health services to respond to the needs of men as well as women."

She said the new Health Development Agency would be told to examine ways of addressing the issue.