ETR Staff Report
The notion that men may not take care of themselves as well as women has some truth to it. Global health data highlights a persistent lifespan gender gap, with men dying an average of six years earlier than women, according to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. That lower life expectancy is driven by a combination of biological vulnerabilities, risky behavior and a tendency to delay medical care. Men tend to be statistically half as likely as women to visit a doctor for regular checkups. Illness can impact men’s longevity, and certain health conditions are prevalent among men across the globe.
Cardiovascular disease: Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men worldwide. The World Health Organization says ischemic heart disease accounts for approximately 13 percent of all global deaths, regardless of gender. And the CDC says more than 50 percent of men age 18 and older have high blood pressure, a silent driver of heart attack and stroke.
Cancer: Cancer can affect anyone, but men are especially vulnerable to certain types. The most common cancer for men is prostate cancer. Roughly one in eight men will receive a diagnosis in their lifetime, says Shortlister, a vendor database and platform. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for men, driven largely by smoking rates that are higher among men than women. Colorectal cancer is another form of the disease that affects a significant number of men.
Mental health: Revive Research Institute says poor mental health is a silent crisis among men. Men are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide, stemming from societal stigmas that discourage men from seeking mental health support, advises Carthage Area Hospital.
Metabolic issues: The American Heart Association says men are at a higher risk for type 2 diabetes at lower BMIs than women. If left unmanaged, type 2 diabetes can cause a series of issues that affect cardiovascular and kidney health. Respiratory conditions: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of disability in men that is linked to long-term tobacco use. Also, occupational exposure to dust and chemicals can compromise lung health.