Your health: Men's health

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Have you noticed the number of men around growing moustaches this month? “Movember” is a fun health promotion designed to raise awareness of the very real health issues faced by men and to try and change their “she’ll be right” attitude and reluctance to visit the doctor.

This fact sheet was written by Dr Roger Boyd, Acting Director of Medical Services at HKHS. It is part of our Health Hotline series.

Fellas, are you up for the challenge?

Men are far less healthy than women, with their average life expectancy six years less than females. Men access health services 30-40% less than women, denying themselves the chance for prevention, early detection and cure of common diseases.

Every year in Australia 2,700 men die of prostate cancer - that’s more than the number of women who die annually from breast cancer – and there are around 12,000 new cases diagnosed annually.

One in six men suffers from depression but most don't seek help, especially those who have lost their employment or those involved with relationship breakdown. Untreated depression is a leading risk factor for suicide and the rate of suicide for men is four times higher than women.

The number of men diagnosed with testicular cancer has grown by approximately 34% over the past decade and the reason is not known. It mainly occurs in men aged 18-35 years, but the good news is that it is highly curable when found early and treated quickly.

So, what can you do to improve your chances of living longer?

Don’t let embarrassment or your ego get in the way of acknowledging that you are susceptible to these diseases and don’t ever think caring for your health is not masculine. Being aware and getting an early diagnosis will help you survive.

• If you are over 40, visit your GP and your dentist every year for a thorough check-up.
• Eat balanced, nutritious meals and keep your weight in the healthy range
• Exercise moderately, safely and regularly
• Do not smoke
• Keep your alcohol consumption in check
• Keep tabs on your mental health – are you moody or angry a lot of the time, sad or uninterested in life? If so, chat to your GP – there are counsellors who can help you enjoy life again
• Balance your work, family and friends and have a hobby
• Listen to what your doctor says and don’t do the ‘macho’ thing and hope a problem will go away or will not happen to you.

Men are not good at discussing health issues, yet love a challenge. So why not challenge yourself to change the face of men’s health and promise to see a doctor if you’re depressed or sick and for annual medical checkups?

Statistics

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the death rate from the main causes of death is generally higher for men than women - per 100,000 persons includes:

• Cancerous tumours - 237.8 males compared to 146.7 females
• Heart disease - 190 males compared to 119.9 females
• Lung disease 46.6 males compared to 23.2 females
• Accidents - 35.6 males compared to 17.7 females
• Suicide - 21.9 males compared to 5.5 females
• Diabetes - 18.8 males compared to 13.6 females
• Motor vehicle traffic accidents - 13.1 males compared to 5.5 females

Printable version

Related links:

• Printable version
• Fact sheets
• Hornsby GP Unit
• Nutrition & Dietetics
• Drug, Alcohol & Gambling Service