Published at 03 November, 2026 08:21.
International Men's Day is on the 19th of November every year in the UK and is marked here and around the world to help raise awareness of issues and challenges that men and boys may be facing. It gets people talking about how we can help and make a difference. Welcome to the home of International Men's Day in the UK.
Men's health is right up there on the topic list. Prostate health is often at the top of the conversation for men’s health. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. If you’re over 50, or you have a family history of the disease, then your risk is even higher. There is some evidence that smoking increases your risk of prostate cancer, including the type that is aggressive. Urinary tract infections can be exacerbated by smoking as harmful chemicals from cigarettes can irritate and inflame the bladder wall and the healing process may also be slowed. Male urinary tract infections are usually associated with an obstruction in the urinary system, usually the prostate. Quitting smoking can help you look after your prostate health.
There are many other cancers that smoking can be a risk factor for and both men and women who smoke are at risk from at least 16 different types of cancer, including two of the most common, lung cancer and bowel cancer. Smoking causes cancer in many ways from harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke. Smoking damages the DNA in our cells. DNA controls how our cells grow and behave. Damage to DNA causes cells to behave in ways that they are not supposed to, and this damage can lead to cancer.
If you are a man and have a partner or friends that do not smoke, they can still be a risk from your smoke. Second hand or passive smoking effects other people, especially children. Find out more here: Passive smoking - NHS
Smoking effects circulation and damages blood vessels and can lead to a higher risk of men having erectile disfunction. 1 in 10 men will experience erectile dysfunction at some stage in their lives. Hormonal problems can occur due to smoking as nicotine and other toxic substances interfere with hormone regulation that is responsible for testosterone production. This imbalance can lead to reduced fertility in men, as testosterone is required in the production and quality of sperm.
The Centre for Policy Research on Men and Boys here in the UK state that suicide death rates among men in the UK are increasing to approximately 14 every day – over 5,000 per year. We may not always know the reason(s) why someone has died by suicide, and the reason may be linked to depression or not. Smoking does however increase your risk of depression and anxiety. It is a common thought that smoking relieves stress and anxiety and calms us down, but smoking increases these feelings. It may feel like we are relieved of the stress when we light up a cigarette, but this feeling is temporary, and the effects of smoking are more likely to cause feelings of stress and anxiety in the first place. When smokers have not had a cigarette in a while, the cravings can make them feel anxious and irritated.
Smokers are more likely to develop depression over time than non-smokers. Studies show that stopping smoking helps your mood, you will be less anxious and be able to deal with stress in a better way. As your anxiety is reduced, be more positive about developing different and better coping mechanisms to deal with stresses and upsets in your life as they come along, without the thought of reaching for a cigarette. Some people are anxious in the first place about stopping smoking. This is a natural reaction, especially if you have smoked for a long time.
The Samaritans helpline number in the UK is 116 123, available free of charge 24/7 or Contact Us | Samaritans
Men who may be concerned about their appearance should know that smoking effects skin, making skin conditions such as eczema and acne worse, and leads to premature aging and wrinkles, teeth can be stained yellow and there is a possibility of losing teeth through gum disease. Hair can be affected too, with a greater risk of hair loss or premature greying. Men who go to the gym or like running or football for instance may also find their stamina is not what it was, and may get out of breath more easily, finding it a struggle to do the exercises they used to do.
Make the move towards better men's health and better health for everyone by quitting smoking this November.
By Carrie Whitworth at Yorkshire Smoke Free NHS Stop Smoking Service - Yorkshire Smokefree
