Men’s Health By The Numbers

Here at Ms.Medicine, we are dedicated to improving the standard of care for women. But we believe that everyone deserves exceptional healthcare. That's why we strive to ensure that the men in our lives also get the exceptional care they deserve. It is crucial to break down the barriers and stigmas associated with men's health issues and encourage men to take a proactive approach to their well-being. This comprehensive guide will explore the statistics and facts surrounding men's health, shedding light on various aspects that impact their overall health and quality of life.

The Gender Gap in Life Expectancy

Life expectancy is one measure of overall health, and there is a persistent gap between men and women. In the United States, the life expectancy for women in 2021 was 79.1 years, while for men, it was 73.2 years - a difference of 5.9 years, marking the most significant gap in a quarter-century. This disparity is not exclusive to the United States, as it is a global phenomenon influenced by various factors such as cultural norms, war, climate change, and poverty.

The reasons behind the longevity gap have yet to be fully understood. Still, the global nature of the disparity suggests that biology plays a significant role. For instance, high testosterone levels may weaken men's immune response, making them more vulnerable to infections. Estrogen, on the other hand, may explain why women have lower rates of heart disease throughout life and why the gap narrows after women reach menopause.

Cultural biases surrounding masculinity can also influence men's health. Men are often taught to hide their feelings and not complain, which can lead to delayed care and poorer health outcomes. For example, men tend to wait longer to seek care for common diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, resulting in later diagnoses and more severe consequences.

According to a survey conducted by the Cleveland Clinic, 40% of men never schedule routine checkups and only go to the doctor for severe health issues. In contrast, women are 33% more likely to visit the doctor when they don't feel well and 100% better at screening and preventive care. This reluctance to seek medical attention can lead to missed early detection and intervention opportunities, ultimately impacting men's overall health.

Let's delve into some facts on the health risks men face:

Cancer

Cancer is a leading cause of death among men, with one in two men developing some form of cancer in their lifetime, compared to one in three women. Some key cancer statistics for men include:

• Prostate cancer affects one in nine men, with 230,000 of the 700,000 men diagnosed with cancer each year having this type.

• Melanoma affects one in 27 men compared to one in 40 women, with men also more likely to die from the disease.

• Colorectal cancer rates are slightly higher in men, affecting one in 23 men compared to one in 25 women.

• Bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men, affecting one in 27 men compared to one in 89 women.

• Head and neck cancers, accounting for 4% of all cancers in the US, are more than twice as common in men than women.

Early diagnosis is crucial for improving the chances of beating cancer, emphasizing the importance of regular checkups and screenings.

Cardiovascular Disease

According to the CDC, cardiovascular disease is responsible for one in four male deaths each year. Contributing factors to this statistic include:

• High blood pressure (affecting 50% of men compared to 44% of women).

• Smoking (13.1% of men vs. 10.1% of women).

• Excessive alcohol consumption.

By addressing these risk factors and seeking regular medical care, men can better manage and prevent the development of heart disease.

Type 2 Diabetes

Men between the ages of 35 and 54 are twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes as women. This may be partly due to differences in fat distribution. Men are more likely to have visceral fat, which can negatively impact metabolism. Furthermore, men are more likely to have undiagnosed diabetes, highlighting the need for regular checkups and screening.

Hearing Loss

Men are twice as likely to experience hearing loss compared to women, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. However, men are also less likely to seek help for this issue. Ensuring that hearing loss is addressed during routine checkups can help improve the overall quality of life for those affected.

Mental Health

Depression affects 30.6% of men at some point, according to the National Health Interview Survey. However, only one in four depressed men have spoken to a mental health professional. Encouraging open conversations about mental health and seeking help when needed is vital for improving men's overall well-being.

Osteoporosis

Although osteoporosis is often considered a women's disease, it poses a significant risk for men. Up to one in four men over 50 will experience a fracture due to osteoporosis. By raising awareness about this issue and encouraging regular screenings, men can better manage their bone health and reduce the risk of fractures.

Steps Towards a Healthier Lifestyle

By being more proactive and making healthy changes, many diseases can be prevented, managed, or treated effectively, especially when caught early. Here are some steps men can take toward a healthier lifestyle:

Get a Thorough Checkup

Getting a thorough checkup and addressing any concerns with your doctor is essential. You should discuss issues like poor sleep, peculiar moles, or hearing difficulties at the checkup. Your physician can order the appropriate tests and refer you to a specialist if necessary. For men, it's crucial to discuss screening for prostate cancer and consider factors such as age and family history. Additionally, undergoing a colonoscopy can identify and remove polyps, preventing colorectal cancer. To monitor your overall health, get your cholesterol and blood pressure checked annually, and consider at-home monitoring for borderline blood pressure. If you snore or wake up feeling unrested, consult your physician about possible sleep apnea. Discuss low testosterone testing with your doctor if you experience decreased energy, low sex drive, or weight management issues. Lastly, assess your heart disease risk factors and talk to your doctor if you have a family history or risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or erectile dysfunction.

Change Your Mindset

To cultivate a healthy lifestyle, one must change their mindset and concentrate on long-term health goals. Making small, consistent changes is more effective than sudden, drastic ones. Having a buddy with similar goals and holding each other accountable can boost motivation. Work with your doctor to establish your health risks and what you can do to reduce them.

This can include –

• Quitting smoking and joining a cessation program can provide the necessary support.

• Maintaining a healthy weight and working with a dietitian can aid in meal planning.

• Regular exercise, at least 30 minutes daily, benefits both psychological and physical well-being.

• Be sure to take your prescribed medications as directed. It is crucial to follow the recommended medication regimen to ensure maximum effectiveness. 

• Protecting yourself during physical activities is essential. Always wear appropriate protective gear to avoid any injuries or accidents. 

Remember, taking care of your health is essential, and following these simple steps can go a long way in ensuring a healthy lifestyle.