Britons’ Changing Health Concerns
A recent global survey conducted by Ipsos has unveiled a significant shift in the health concerns of Britons. Mental health has now surpassed cancer and obesity to become the top health issue that worries the majority of the population in England, Scotland, and Wales. This change in perception is attributed to the rise in mental ill-health caused by various factors such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the cost of living crisis, and male violence against women.
When the survey first began in 2018, an equal proportion of British participants (50%) identified cancer, obesity, and mental health as major health problems facing the country. However, mental health has steadily climbed up the rankings to become the primary concern for 54% of the population, while obesity was mentioned by only 36% of respondents, and cancer by 49%.
Globally, the prioritization of mental wellbeing has seen a remarkable increase. In 2018, 27% of people in 31 countries considered mental health a pressing health concern. Now, that number has risen to 45%, surpassing all other illnesses. Conversely, the percentage of people mentioning cancer has decreased from 52% to 38%, and obesity from 33% to 26% over the same period.
The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on mental health worldwide. The Ipsos survey highlights a growing global population anxious about mental ill-health. The pandemic has not only led to a surge in mental health issues but has also exacerbated existing concerns. The long-term impact of the pandemic on public health is expected to be primarily related to mental health, according to Ipsos.
In the UK, there is a growing recognition of mental health as a major concern, with 54% of Britons acknowledging it as a pressing health issue. Simon Atkinson, Ipsos’s chief knowledge officer, emphasized the lingering impact of the pandemic on global mental health, indicating that the crisis is far from over.
The rise in stress-related concerns further underscores the deteriorating mental health of the population. In Britain, the proportion of people citing stress as a significant health problem has increased from 12% to 17%, while globally, it has risen from 25% to 31%. These trends reflect a widespread unease about mental well-being and highlight the urgent need for mental health support and resources.
Gender Disparities and Mental Health
The Ipsos survey reveals gender disparities in perceptions of mental health, both in the UK and globally. Women are significantly more likely than men to view mental health as a significant worry, with 51% of women mentioning it compared to 40% of men worldwide. This disparity can be attributed to higher rates of mental ill-health among women, as well as the increased risk of mental health difficulties associated with factors such as poverty and male violence.
Younger generations also show a greater concern for mental health compared to older age groups, who are more likely to prioritize cancer as a health issue. This generational difference underscores the evolving attitudes towards health concerns and the shifting priorities in healthcare.
The Future of Cancer Care
Despite the decline in global prioritization of cancer as a health concern, advancements in cancer research and treatment have contributed to improved survival rates and outcomes. Naser Turabi, Cancer Research UK’s director of evidence and implementation, highlights the progress made in cancer diagnosis and treatment over the last five decades, leading to a doubling of cancer survival rates in the UK.
While confidence in cancer treatment options is increasing, cancer remains a prevalent health issue affecting a significant portion of the population. With nearly one in two individuals expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, ongoing research and advancements in cancer care are crucial to addressing this pervasive health concern.
In conclusion, the shifting health concerns of Britons reflect the evolving landscape of public health, with mental health taking precedence over traditional concerns such as cancer and obesity. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, gender disparities in mental health perceptions, and advancements in cancer care all play a role in shaping the current health priorities of the population. As we navigate these changes, it is essential to prioritize mental health support and resources to address the growing mental health crisis and ensure the well-being of individuals across the UK and globally.