As the invisible struggle of men putting off doctor visits becomes unbearable, a new approach to healthcare is emerging – one that prioritizes connection and flexibility over traditional barriers. By redesigning services and introducing proactive health checks, experts believe attitudes towards healthcare are gradually changing for the better.
A series of unexplained symptoms pushed Dan Somers to seek medical help. Despite his reluctance, he eventually visited his GP, who sent him straight to hospital for a gallbladder infection. This experience mirrors those of other men who have put off seeking medical treatment, often until their symptoms became unbearable or until a loved one intervened.
Research confirms that men visit doctors less frequently than women. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Health Insight Survey from February 2024, ‘45.8% of women attempted to make contact with their GP practice in the last 28 days, compared to just 33.5% of men.’ Men are also less likely to register at dental practices or use pharmacies.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), men are more likely to die from heart disease, stroke, and diabetes than women.
In the United States, 1 in 5 men will experience a mental health issue each year.
The WHO also reports that 35% of male deaths between ages 15-29 are due to injuries, with road traffic accidents being a leading cause.
Additionally, 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer by age 75.
Experts point to societal expectations of masculinity as a significant factor deterring men from seeking medical help. ‘Men are traditionally supposed to sort things out themselves,’ says social psychologist Prof Brendan Gough of Leeds Beckett University. This notion can lead men to feel pressure to ‘tough it out’ when faced with health issues, rather than seeking support.
Other factors contribute to the reluctance among men to visit doctors. Appointment systems often don’t accommodate working patterns, and services rely on open discussion about problems, which may not align with how men typically communicate. Additionally, there is a lack of fixed check-ups targeting younger men, leaving them feeling disconnected from the healthcare system.
Men are more likely to die from heart disease than women, with 1 in 5 deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease.
Prostate cancer is another major concern, affecting 1 in 9 men worldwide.
Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety also disproportionately affect men, with 6 out of 10 men experiencing mental health problems.
Additionally, erectile dysfunction affects over 30 million men globally, impacting their quality of life and relationships.
However, experts believe that attitudes towards healthcare are gradually changing for the better. Redesigning services to meet men’s needs, such as proactively offering support, flexible access, and focusing on practical action to improve mental health issues, can make a significant difference. This approach has shown promise in gender-responsive programmes.
Support groups, like Matthew Wiltshire‘s Cancer Club, have emerged to provide a safe space for men to share their experiences and connect with others who understand their struggles. These connections can be a powerful catalyst for change, as Oliver Wiltshire, Matthew‘s son, notes: ‘Whether it’s practical advice, honest chat or just knowing someone else gets it, that connection can make a big difference.’
Introducing general health checks for men in their 20s could help embed the idea that they can access medical care. This proactive approach would encourage men to take control of their health and seek support when needed.
Men's health initiatives focus on addressing disparities in healthcare access and outcomes for men.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), men are more likely to die from heart disease, stroke, and suicide than women.
In 2019, an estimated 3.2 million men died from cardiovascular diseases worldwide.
Men's health initiatives aim to reduce these numbers by promoting healthy lifestyles, increasing access to healthcare services, and addressing social determinants of health.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, information and support can be found at the BBC’s Action Line.
