Movember and the The Medico-Legal Side of Men’s Health

Every November, moustaches appear on faces across the UK — some bold and flamboyant, others more of a modest shadow — all with one purpose: to spark conversations about men’s health. Movember is more than a quirky tradition; it’s a global movement raising awareness of prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men’s mental health.

But for those working in the medico-legal and legal professions, Movember is also a reminder of the serious consequences when these conditions are missed, misdiagnosed, or mismanaged. Such failings can lead not only to devastating personal outcomes but also to clinical negligence claims where expert witness evidence becomes pivotal.

The Three Pillars of Movember — And Where Claims Can Arise

1. Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK. Early detection is often the difference between a curable disease and one that has spread.

Common medico-legal issues include:

• Failure to act on raised PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test results

• Missed opportunities to refer under NICE urgent cancer referral guidelines

• Delays in arranging or reporting MRI scans or biopsies

• Misinterpretation of histology results

In these cases, urology experts, oncologists, and radiologists may be instructed to provide opinion on breach of duty, causation, and prognosis.

2. Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is less common but has one of the highest survival rates — if treated early.

Typical areas leading to claims:

• Failure to examine or investigate a reported lump or swelling

• Dismissing symptoms in younger men due to “low risk” assumptions

• Delayed ultrasound scans or referrals to urology

• Inadequate follow-up after initial treatment, leading to relapse being missed

Expert witnesses in oncology, urology, and general practice often play a central role in determining whether care met the required standard.

3. Men’s Mental Health

The statistics are stark: men account for around three-quarters of suicide deaths in the UK. Mental health issues in men are often under-recognised and under-treated.

Potential medico-legal concerns include:

• Missed diagnosis of depression or suicidal ideation in GP or A&E settings

• Inadequate risk assessment or safety planning

• Failure to refer to crisis services or psychiatric assessment

• Poor communication between mental health teams and primary care

Here, psychiatry experts, mental health nurses and emergency medicine specialists are often instructed to assess whether reasonable steps were taken to prevent foreseeable harm.

The Role of Expert Witnesses in Men’s Health Claims

In clinical negligence and personal injury cases involving men’s health, expert witnesses bridge the gap between complex medical evidence and legal argument. They:

• Review patient records and clinical pathways

• Apply relevant guidelines (e.g., NICE, GMC standards)

• Provide objective analysis of whether care met the expected standard

• Assess how earlier diagnosis or intervention could have changed the outcome

For lawyers, early instruction of the right expert can be critical — especially where causation is likely to be contested.

Final Thoughts

Movember is a month for raising awareness, but it’s also an opportunity for the medico-legal community to reflect on the real-world impact of missed diagnoses, delayed referrals, and inadequate care in men’s health.

For solicitors, clinicians, and expert witnesses, these cases highlight the importance of early intervention, robust processes, and clear communication — the very things that can prevent a claim from arising in the first place.

If your firm is handling a clinical negligence or personal injury case involving prostate cancer, testicular cancer, or men’s mental health, our panel of expert witnesses can provide the objective, court-ready evidence you need. Email info@apexexperts.co.uk