· As many as half (52%) of men feel more comfortable discussing personal concerns side-by-side, rather than face-to-face.
· Only 34% of men regularly open up to family or friends – and a worrying 11% do not feel comfortable reaching out for any support at all.
· New film from Greene King and Macmillan Cancer Support highlights the challenges men face in opening up about difficult personal conversations and how using shoulder-to-shoulder situations helps create a safer space.
Many men feel more comfortable opening up when they’re shoulder-to-shoulder, new research has revealed. Whether it’s walking with a mate, chatting over a pint, or during a car ride, as many as half (52%) of men say they feel more comfortable discussing personal issues when side-by-side, according to new research by Greene King, released to mark Prostate Cancer Awareness month in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support. The findings show that where – and how – men have conversations matter.
Nearly two thirds (63%) of men surveyed are most likely to open up while out and about with friends or family, over food and drink (52%) including in places like pubs, and during walks (26%), which all ranked among the preferred conversation kick-starters.
Despite growing awareness around men’s mental and physical health, only 34% of men regularly (more than once a month) talk to family or friends about personal issues. Even more concerning, one in nine (11%) say they wouldn’t feel comfortable reaching out for support at all. The research also reveals a generational gap: Young men aged 18-24 particularly struggle with opening up face-to-face, with just 29% feeling comfortable speaking to family and friends about difficult topics in person – a worrying contrast to nearly half (47%) of men over 55, who feel most at ease talking in the open.
To highlight the barriers to men opening up, Greene King and Macmillan have teamed up to create a powerful, short film inspired by real-life experiences. The film exposes the reality behind why men don’t talk and how to create a trusted environment to facilitate more of these critical conversations. It encourages men to stand shoulder-to-shoulder during March and beyond to support each other and shines a light on how side-by-side conversations can unlock the hardest truths, allowing men to feel connected so they don’t feel alone.
The film, which can be viewed here, will be showcased at some of Greene King’s pubs nationwide, transforming familiar social spaces into places where tough conversations can become that little bit easier.
The silence can be even louder for men living with cancer. New data from Macmillan Cancer Support reveals nearly half (49%) of men with cancer in the UK are experiencing worry, fear, or anxiety due to their diagnosis. Additionally, one in seven men undergoing cancer treatment (14%) are struggling with serious physical or emotional concerns for which they are not receiving any support.
Speaking about his experience being diagnosed with cancer, Nick Summerfield (37) from Kent, said, “When I got diagnosed, everything changed overnight. It was hard to look into the future, making it difficult to talk about. I think men often hide their feelings, trying to be ‘manly.’ But sharing your feelings shows you need support and helps loved ones understand you. Opening up relieves pressure and lightens the weight. I’m fortunate to have a great support network, but I had to be brave and express how I really felt.”
To help break the cycle of silence, Greene King is dedicating the first half of 2025 to raising vital funds for Macmillan’s Support Line – a confidential, compassionate service for those living with cancer and their loved ones. Trust and confidentiality are crucial for most men, with 60% of those surveyed by Greene King stating it’s essential when seeking health support. Macmillan’s Support Line, available seven days a week, provides exactly that.
Nick Mackenzie, CEO of Greene King, said: “Pubs are places where life unfolds and where we gather to share moments of joy, sorrow, and everything in between. They offer an opportunity for people to come together, speak side by side, fostering a true sense of community. Talking about cancer or a health concern is never easy, but Macmillan’s Support Line plays a vital role in supporting people when they need it the most. This March our fantastic pub teams across the country will be hosting a number of charity events, to support our commitment to direct the first half of this year’s fundraising to the Support Line, so that more people in our communities can access Macmillan’s help when they need it the most.”
The free Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you are worried about money or treatment, or you just want to speak about whatever matters to you, the Support line is available seven days a week 8am to 8pm on 0808 808 0000.
To find out more about the Greene King and Macmillan Cancer Support partnership, visit https://www.greeneking.co.uk/
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
About the research: Greene King’s research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 1,001 UK Men (Aged 18+). The data was collected between 21.02.2025 – 24.02.2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.
Additional figures are from a Macmillan Cancer Support/You Gov survey:
1. About the research: Macmillan Cancer Support/YouGov survey of 2,057 adults in the UK who have had a cancer diagnosis, including 924 men. Fieldwork was undertaken between 3rd and 27th January 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of people living with cancer in the UK (aged 18+). Survey questions were as follows: ‘Have you had any concerns about any of the following issues in the last few weeks, which were caused or have been made worse by your experience of cancer?’ Please mark on the scale of 1–5, where 1 is ‘not an area of concern’ and 5 is ‘an area of great concern’. In this context ‘severe’ is defined as level 4 or 5; 15% of male respondents had serious concerns (levels 4 or 5) about ‘worry, fear or anxiety’. 45% of men in treatment had one or more serious physical or emotional concerns (level 4 or 5). Among this group, 31% had not accessed any support for these issues. This equates to 14% of all men in treatment.
For more information, please contact the team on greeneking@grayling.com
Accompanying imagery available to download here
Video available to watch here
About Greene King
Greene King is the country’s leading pub company and brewer with c.2,600 pubs, restaurants and hotels across England, Wales and Scotland.
At Greene King we are passionate about delivering our purpose to ‘pour happiness into lives’. That’s for our customers, our team, our pub partners, our suppliers and the communities in which we live, operate and serve. Founded in 1799 with offices in Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk and Burton on Trent in Staffordshire we employ around 40,000 people across the group with three divisions: Greene King pubs, Destination Brands & Ventures, and Brewing & Brands.
· Greene King pubs: Greene King pubs is our mainstream pub brand located where people and communities come together; pubs enjoyed in cities, towns and villages throughout the country with clear ambition to be “The Nation’s Most Loved Pub Brand”. Pub Partners runs our tenanted and leased pubs business and Hive Franchise pubs.
· Destination Brands & Ventures: Destination Brands is a portfolio of distinct brands which includes Hungry Horse, Chef & Brewer, Farmhouse Inns and Flaming Grill that bring friends and family together, delivering great service, quality and value for money for a range of eating out and drinking occasions. Venture includes Hickory’s, Premium (Crafted Pubs & Metropolitan Pub Company) and Hotels which operate autonomously of Greene King’s managed pub brands.
· Brewing & Brands covers the brewing sides of the business. Quality ales are brewed at the Westgate brewery in Bury St Edmunds and the Belhaven Brewery in Dunbar. Our industry-leading portfolio includes Greene King IPA, Old Speckled Hen, Abbot Ale, Ice Breaker and Belhaven Best and our premium beers, Level Head and Flint Eye, brewed for the modern-day drinker.
About Macmillan
Macmillan Cancer Support has spent more than 100 years helping people living with cancer. We know that cancer can disrupt your whole life.
And it can be made worse simply because of who you are and where you live. But we’re here to change that. The number of people diagnosed with cancer is growing, and every one of them needs the best support to meet their unique needs. That’s why we’ll do whatever it takes to help everyone living with cancer across the UK get the support they need right now and transform cancer care for everyone who will be diagnosed in the future.
For more information, please contact the team on greeneking@grayling.com
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