Studies show that men are more reluctant to seek medical advice than women. A survey conducted by Cleveland Clinic revealed that 65% of US men wait as long as possible to get advice if they feel unwell or notice unusual symptoms. Health should be a priority for everyone. Being aware of common conditions can increase the chances of identifying symptoms and getting treatment early. In this guide, we’ll shine a spotlight on men’s health, highlighting some of the most prevalent health problems to look out for.
Heart disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among both males and females in the US. Somebody has a heart attack every 40 seconds. Heart disease, also known as coronary heart disease, occurs when fatty deposits collect inside the arteries. As a result, blood flow slows. In some cases, the arteries become blocked, which causes a heart attack. The main risk factors for heart disease include age, family history, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and lifestyle factors, such as a sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol consumption, a poor diet and smoking.
If you are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease, making changes to your lifestyle is usually the first step to reducing risks. Examples include doing regular exercise, eating a healthy, balanced diet, quitting smoking and moderating alcohol intake. Additional treatments may include medication to control blood pressure, and surgical procedures, which are designed to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of blockages.
Prostate cancer
In the US, a man is diagnosed with prostate cancer every 2 minutes, according to the American Cancer Society. Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in US men behind lung cancer. Any form of cancer diagnosis can be terrifying, but the statistics for survival are promising when prostate cancer is diagnosed early. Over 99% of men will survive for at least five years after diagnosis when the condition is identified at the earliest point. Prostate cancer is most common in men aged over 65, but it’s crucial for all men to be aware of the symptoms. Spotting warning signs early can boost survival chances dramatically.
It’s normal for the prostate gland to become enlarged as part of the natural aging process. An enlarged prostate gland causes similar symptoms to prostate cancer but there’s an important Difference between prostate cancer & BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia). BPH is non-cancerous. If you notice symptoms including more frequent urination, difficulty urinating, needing to urinate urgently or feeling like your bladder isn’t empty after peeing, seek medical advice. Doctors can use simple blood and urine tests to diagnose BPH. If there is a risk of prostate cancer, a biopsy will usually be taken. Treatment options for prostate cancer may include radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy and surgery.
Testicular cancer
Testicular cancer is the most common type of cancer found in young men. The average age of men affected by testicular cancer is 33 in the US. This form of cancer affects 1 in 250-270 men. Symptoms include a lump or abnormal swelling in the testicle, fluid buildup in the scrotum, pain in the abdomen, which feels like a dull ache, and pain in the testicles or scrotum. If you detect any of these symptoms, see your doctor. When diagnosed early, testicular cancer can almost always be treated successfully.
Depression
Depression will affect around 10% of men in their lifetime. Men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues than women, often due to embarrassment or shame. Depression can be hard to diagnose or even notice because it’s often tangled with natural human emotions, but there’s a big difference between feeling depressed and having clinical depression. We all have days when we feel lethargic, sad or down. Depression causes heightened symptoms for prolonged periods. It can make people not want to get out of bed, see friends and family or engage in activities they usually enjoy. Depression often makes individuals feel numb, isolated and helpless. In the most severe cases, it can contribute to deep despair and suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
If you experience symptoms of depression with no obvious cause, your symptoms have got worse, or you’ve felt low for a long period, it’s critical to understand that help is available. Speak to your doctor, open up to a trusted friend, partner or family member, see a therapist or contact charities that specialize in mental health support. There are many treatments that can help ranging from talking therapies and counseling to lifestyle changes, medication and residential therapy.
Research suggests that men are less likely to seek medical advice and support than women. It’s essential that men are aware of health risks and conditions that either only affect men or are more common among males. Identifying symptoms and getting checked out early can make the difference between life and death.