Real men take care of their health
Men are generally less likely than women to seek medical attention when symptoms arise. This reluctance often leads to delayed diagnosis, poorer health outcomes and increased mortality. Men account for a higher proportion, 53.5% of deaths, compared to 46.6% among women.
June is World Men’s Health Month, making it an ideal time to encourage men to prioritise their health. Many chronic conditions develop silently, and regular screenings are an effective way to detect diseases early and improve outcomes.
3 screenings that can save your life
Hypertension
Around 43% to 50% of South African adults have high blood pressure. Yet, of the 15.6% of South African adults under the age of 40 living with hypertension, only 24.0% are aware of their condition. Untreated hypertension increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure and chronic kidney disease.
Prostate health
Prostate cancer affects over 4 000 South African men annually, and accounts for 13% of male cancer deaths. Regular digital rectal exams (DRE), discussions with your doctor, and, where appropriate, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests support early detection and improve treatment outcomes.
Mental health
While 70% of women and 65% of men report a need for mental health support, men tend to seek help less frequently, often due to stigma and perceptions of masculinity, which inform societal expectations. As a result, men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women.
Regular check-ups and open conversations with healthcare professionals can support early detection, effective treatment, enabling men to enjoy healthier, longer lives.
References:
June is World Men’s Health Month, making it an ideal time to encourage men to prioritise their health. Many chronic conditions develop silently, and regular screenings are an effective way to detect diseases early and improve outcomes.
3 screenings that can save your life
Hypertension
Around 43% to 50% of South African adults have high blood pressure. Yet, of the 15.6% of South African adults under the age of 40 living with hypertension, only 24.0% are aware of their condition. Untreated hypertension increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure and chronic kidney disease.
Prostate health
Prostate cancer affects over 4 000 South African men annually, and accounts for 13% of male cancer deaths. Regular digital rectal exams (DRE), discussions with your doctor, and, where appropriate, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests support early detection and improve treatment outcomes.
Mental health
While 70% of women and 65% of men report a need for mental health support, men tend to seek help less frequently, often due to stigma and perceptions of masculinity, which inform societal expectations. As a result, men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women.
Regular check-ups and open conversations with healthcare professionals can support early detection, effective treatment, enabling men to enjoy healthier, longer lives.
References:
- https://www.statssa.gov.za-publications-P03093-P030932022.pdf
- https://www.nature.com-articles-s41371-023-00873-3
- https://www.who.int-news-room-fact-sheets-detail-hypertension
- https://samajournals.co.za-index.php-samj-article-view-2678
- https://www.cancer.gov-types-prostate-psa-fact-sheet
- https://prostatecanceruk.org-prostate-information-and-support-prostate-tests-digital-rectal-examination-dre
- https://safpj.co.za-index.php-safpj-article-view-5822-8414