Too manly to go to the doctor? Here’s what to look out for every decade

It may not come as a big surprise that most men don’t like going to the doctor. But a new study from researchers at the University of Chicago has found that being too “masculine” about your health can be life-threatening. The data shows that men’s need to appear self-reliant and strong prevents them from seeking medical help, and even when they do receive a diagnosis, they do not always follow through with treatment.

Unfortunately, this reluctance affects their lifespan. The Office of National Statistics (ONS) reports that 2022 was the third year in a row in which more male deaths were recorded than female deaths. And serious conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and some cancers could have been prevented with earlier intervention.

In Britain, the four biggest causes of death in men tend to be heart failure, pulmonary and respiratory diseases prostate cancer and suicide. And while genetics play a role, there are still plenty of changes that can be made to support your well-being and increase your chances of living longer. Here’s how to protect yourself at any age…

Between the ages of thirties and forties

Beware of…feeling depressed or overloaded

This is often a time when men are trying to secure a career, buy a home or keep a mortgage under control, build a family and maintain relationships. Not only can stress negatively impact your sleep, sex life, immune system, gut health, heart rate, and blood pressure, it can also increase your risk for depression. While other factors play a role – alcohol and substance abuseloneliness, broken relationships – in Britain, suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50.

Last year the British Association for Counseling and Psychotherapy (BACP) launched their Raise campaign to help identify depression in men. The acronym, which aims to identify the five signs of depression, stands for risk-taking, anger, isolation, substance abuse and exhaustion.

Anthony Davis, a BACP-accredited psychotherapist and campaign contributor, says: “There is often pressure on men in these age groups to get everything right professionally and personally. But if they feel like they are not living up to their potential, depression can set in. And when fathers and grandfathers have not been open about their emotions, perhaps believing that it is not manly to talk, this example is often passed on to the next generation. When difficult feelings are not expressed, they can surface in anger, risky living or acute anxiety.”

The health plan

According to the BACP, 56 percent of therapists agree that men are less likely to receive support than women. It helps to talk. Talk to your loved ones, or to a charity such as the Samaritans, or to a professional therapist. Anthony Davis says: “It’s important to do that express these difficult emotions and bring them to the surface in a familiar environment so that they become more manageable.”

Eating too muchDrinking and a sedentary lifestyle can also be a byproduct of stress. Create the right habits to support your needs. Thibo David, a performance coach, adds: “Research shows that exercise reduces symptoms of anxiety by 22 to 48 percent, increasing resilience to stress.”

In my fifties and sixties

Watch out for… prostate cancer, high blood pressure and high cholesterol

No one knows your body as well as you do, so try to spot warning signs before it’s too late! If something feels unusual, a follow-up appointment with your GP will usually reassure you and allow further concerns to be explored. A simple blood test can detect this high cholesterol, high blood pressureanemia, poor liver function and diabetes.