Men’s Health… Why many skip the doctor

November marks the height of awareness around men’s health, including Movember and cancer awareness campaigns. It’s a timely reminder that regular medical care is essential for prevention, early detection, and better outcomes. Why do many men avoid seeing a doctor is a questions l have asked myself and so have many other men.

Men avoid going to the doctor in many cases because of a perceived invulnerability. Many men feel they should tough it out or fear of appearing weak. Busy work schedules and family commitments can push health visits down the list. Many men in my estimation are also embarrassment or that stigma…. men may be relucent to discuss sensitive issues sexual health, mental health. Many of us also underestimate symptoms and we forgo mild or nonspecific symptoms like fatigue, headaches which are all easy to normalize but we let things go. We are also very fearful of bad news…. anxiety about potential diagnoses can lead to avoidance.

The health risks of avoiding medical care, men seem to continuously avoid many signs that seem to go undetected. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity can be asymptomatic early on. Also, early stages of cancers significantly improve outcomes; delays can reduce treatment options. The other big one for us is the mental health neglect and l am a victim of that where l have been drained mental and never asked for help. Depression, anxiety, and substance use may worsen without timely screening and support. 

Some of the key health priorities for men should be cancer awareness and screening. Prostate cancer is the most common in men and can be helped with discussing the risk factors with your doctor or someone that has a health background. Generally recommended to start screening at age 45-50, or earlier for higher risk. For long term smokers or former smokers, discussing with a health advisor is oh so important. Regular skin checks, especially if you have a history of sun exposure or tanning bed use. Get those moulds checked, especially as you get older.

Regardless of what we do as men and how we move forward with your health routine, seeing a doctor on a minimum quarterly basis is crucial, especially as you get older. Being pro active is the most important step and l encourage all my friends to stay on top of their health. Encourage a friend or partner to join you for encouragement and accountability. There are friends of mine that have said to me over the years, that the less you know the better. That thinking of not killing you with the worry of an illness or problem will kill you before the problem. Well, l do agree with this statement as long as you are well into your 80s and 90s it may help you.

November ……A focus push for awareness. November has become a focal point for men’s health campaigns, with movements like Movember highlighting mental health, suicide prevention, and cancer awareness. Community events, screenings, and employer-sponsored health programs often spike in participation during this month. The sporting community on a professional level has also gotten great awareness, especially supporting a mustache for the month of November just to bring attention to the cause.

Men’s health is not just about addressing illness; it’s about proactive prevention, timely detection, and sustaining well-being across all life stages. It you’re reading this during November or any time, consider taking that first step…. book a check-up, talk about your concerns, and invest in your long-term health. On a personal level, if you need a helping ear to listen and get some feedback, you can always drop me a line. 

Health is wealth and you are the only person that can help yourself…. take some of your own advice and look after number ONE….YOU

Vincent Black/MS