Comprehensive Cancer Centers notes Men’s Health Month as a time to take proactive measures to lead longer and healthier lives.
For the team at Comprehensive Cancer Centers, a known challenge in encouraging men to take steps to reduce risks and ensure early diagnoses. Something that sounds simple is not, leading to many health challenges for men that could have been avoided or burdens that could have been lessened.
With that in mind, the practice celebrates the arrival of Men’s Health Month this June. The month provides a time of reflection on what improvements can be made to lead longer and healthier lives. This includes heightened awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.
This week gives health care providers, public policy makers, the media, and individuals an opportunity to encourage men and boys to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury. The response has been overwhelming with hundreds of awareness activities in the USA and around the globe. For a partial list of activities, click here, which focuses on raising awareness during Men’s Health Week (June 12-18).
The opportunity the month presents includes encouraging healthy habits, such as good eating and exercise, while building new ones appropriate to their ages and family histories including regular exams and screenings. To help men build better attitudes and habits for good health, it’s beneficial to start with challenges many men face in making these changes.
Why Don’t Men Take Their Health Seriously?
The notion that men don’t take their health seriously is a generalization that may not apply to all men. However, there are some common factors that can contribute to a perception of men being less proactive about their health:
Societal Expectations: Traditional gender roles and societal expectations can play a role. Men may feel pressure to appear strong, independent, and invulnerable. Seeking medical help or discussing health concerns may be seen as a sign of weakness or vulnerability, leading some men to downplay or ignore their health issues.
Lack of Awareness: Men may be less informed about specific health risks and symptoms compared to women. This lack of awareness can result in delayed or inadequate attention to potential health problems.
Fear or Denial: Men may have concerns about medical procedures, fear of diagnosis, or anxieties related to treatment outcomes. This fear or denial can contribute to avoidance or delay in seeking medical help.
Cultural Factors: Cultural norms and beliefs can influence men’s health behaviors. Some cultures may prioritize work, family responsibilities, or other obligations over personal health, leading to neglect or postponement of healthcare.
Stigma and Masculinity: There can be stigma attached to certain health issues, particularly those related to mental health or reproductive health. Men may feel reluctant to discuss or seek help for these issues due to concerns about their masculinity or potential judgment from others.
Addressing these challenges requires promoting a shift in societal attitudes, encouraging open conversations about men’s health, and providing education and resources. Healthcare providers can play a vital role in creating a welcoming environment that encourages men to seek regular check-ups, address health concerns, and adopt healthier behaviors.
The team Comprehensive recommends that men talk to their doctor about regular cancer screenings and self-examinations, with the following four tests based on family history and age:
- Colorectal Cancer Screenings
- Testicular Cancer Screenings
- Skin Cancer Screenings
- Prostate Cancer Screenings
Comprehensive Cancer Centers Can Help
Physicians at Comprehensive Cancer Centers provide a variety of treatment options for patients with cancer, blood disorders, breast health conditions and pulmonary disease or sleep troubles. To schedule an appointment with the team at Comprehensive, please call 702-952-3350.
The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
