Australians visit a community pharmacy on average every three weeks, creating regular opportunities for early advice, timely treatment and support with everyday health concerns, before issues escalate. Too many men are still missing out on care, with half of deaths in men under 75 considered potentially avoidable.
Around three in five men are living with at least one chronic condition, yet more than half of men who have a poor healthcare experience won’t return, highlighting the importance of accessible, trusted care in the community.
Pharmacists were on hand in their pop-up consultation room to demonstrate how pharmacists can provide safe, accessible and private care for a range of men’s health conditions – from urological issues to chronic disease support.
Health leaders, policymakers and advocates are discussing these opportunities in Canberra, highlighting the importance of community pharmacy as part of a more accessible, patient-centred approach to men’s health. The event also spotlights the introduction of Movember’s Men in Mind training for pharmacists in a few months’ time, designed to equip them with the skills and confidence to have meaningful conversations with men about their health.
Community pharmacists are increasingly supporting men with:
- urological health concerns
- mental health and wellbeing
- chronic disease management
- preventative health advice
- diagnosis and treatment for long-term conditions like cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and COPD.
Attributable quotes
Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President, Professor Trent Twomey:
“Community pharmacies are often the most accessible point of care, particularly for men who may not otherwise engage with the health system.
“Making it easier for men to access care will mean they get the treatment and interventions they need, earlier. Five minutes in a pharmacy beats five hours in emergency.
“We know this access is lifesaving – truly lifesaving. Community pharmacists are stepping up and we now need the rules and regulations to follow suit so that all patients can benefit from seeing a specially trained pharmacist no matter where they live.
“There should be no wrong door for primary, everyday health care.”
Dan Repacholi MP – Special Envoy for Men’s Health
"Too many blokes put off dealing with health issues because they're flat out, they reckon it'll sort itself out, or they don't want to make a fuss. A quick chat with a trusted local pharmacist can be the difference between getting on top of a problem early and ending up much sicker down the track."
"For a lot of men, the local pharmacy is one of the few places they regularly walk into for health advice. It's convenient, it's trusted and it gives blokes the chance to ask questions and get support before a small issue becomes a big one."
"If we're serious about improving men's health outcomes, we've got to meet blokes where they are. Community pharmacists are already doing that every day, helping men take that first step towards looking after their health."
Movember spokesperson Ben Rogers, Global Director, Health Systems at Movember:
“The Men in Mind program is about giving pharmacists the skills and confidence to have those crucial early conversations that can change, and even save, lives.”
“Pharmacists are uniquely placed in the community, and this initiative ensures they are supported to meet men where they are, in an approachable and trusted environment”
Contacts
For Movember media enquiries Louise Fennelly louise.fennelly@movember.com
For Dan Repacholi media enquiries – Chad Griffith – Chad.Griffith@aph.gov.au 0400 292 120