The silent health crisis: Why men delay diagnosing heart disease, diabetes, cancer and mental health issues
In this article, Dr. Nimit Nagda is an internal medicine expert at Zenova Shalabi Hospitalhighlights the hidden health issues that men often ignore when they say “I’m fine.” He explains how men are less likely to benefit from healthcare services than women, ignoring symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, poor sleep, low mood and unexplained weight changes such as stress or aging. Dr. Najda highlights critical health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, prostate cancer (the most common cancer in men in 112 countries, accounting for 15% of all male cancers worldwide), and mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety that often remain unaddressed. He calls on men to take charge of their health through timely check-ups, regular check-ups, a balanced diet, exercise, stress management, and counselling, emphasizing that early diagnosis is one of the most powerful tools for achieving better outcomes and that taking action early is smart, not weak.
Men often say, “I’m fine,” and avoid any medical examinations. However, before that, “I’m fine” or “I don’t need to worry” might be a mental health issue, heart disease, diabetes, prostate, liver or kidney disease. According to the study Understanding Men’s Engagement and Disengagement When Seeking Support for Mental Health published in the American Journal of Men’s Health in 2023, men are less likely to utilize health care services than women.
Hence, it is essential for men to take charge of their health and make sure to seek timely help without fail. So, men, be sure to consult a doctor and schedule medical examinations in a timely manner to improve the quality of life.
Men tend to take on duties when it comes to family and even the workplace. They are also professionally required to fulfill responsibilities even if they are not feeling well. Many men are at risk for fatigue, shortness of breath, poor sleep, low mood, or unexplained weight changes. Men may often ignore it, thinking that it may be due to stress, age, or excess stress. There is a large number of men who also tend to suffer from depression and anxiety due to the constant stress that arises from professional and personal life, relationships, and health issues. According to the study, why do young people not seek help for emotional mental health issues? A systematic review of perceived barriers and facilitators among adolescents and young adults Men are less likely to seek help for their mental health than women, but little is known about specific patterns of help-seeking in adolescents and young adults. This is concerning because adolescents and young adults have high suicide rates but low rates of acceptance of services. It is therefore important that the access needs of this group are understood. This review sought to identify barriers and facilitators that adolescents and young adults face in seeking help for affective mental health disorders.
Even another 2024 study, “Men’s Mental Health: Perception, Influences, and Adaptation,” published in the Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, found that depression and anxiety in men often remain untreated and may present differently than traditional symptoms.
Other hidden health problems that men often ignore
Heart disease: Persistent fatigue, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, dizziness, or decreased endurance may indicate underlying heart disease. Unfortunately, many men attribute these symptoms to work stress, lack of sleep, or advanced age, delaying diagnosis.
Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes often develops gradually. Excessive thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, and unexplained fatigue can go unnoticed for months or even years. Early diagnosis is critical to prevent complications affecting the heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes.
Sleep apneaLoud snoring, poor sleep quality, morning headache, and daytime sleepiness may indicate obstructive sleep apnea. If left untreated, sleep apnea increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, memory problems, and decreased productivity.
cancer: Even a large number of men tend to develop prostate cancer and should seek timely help to improve their quality of life. According to the Lancet Commission on Prostate Cancer: Planning for a surge in cases (2024), prostate cancer is currently the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in 112 countries and accounts for approximately 15% of all male cancer cases worldwide. The committee warns that the global burden of prostate cancer is expected to rise significantly in the coming decades. The study predicts that new prostate cancer cases will rise annually from 1.4 million in 2020 to nearly 2.9 million by 2040, representing a more than doubled increase. Researchers attribute this rise primarily to population growth and increased life expectancy, which results in more men reaching the ages at which prostate cancer becomes more common.
Societal expectations, busy work schedules, fear of diagnosis, and the desire to appear strong often discourage men from discussing symptoms or seeing a doctor. Unfortunately, waiting until symptoms are severe can make treatment more complicated and reduce the chances of early recovery. Another 2024 systematic review, “Workplace interventions targeting mental health literacy, stigma, help-seeking, and help-offering in male-dominated industries,” highlighted how stigma and traditional expectations around masculinity continue to prevent many men from seeking timely mental health support.
Whether it’s heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, or mental health challenges, early diagnosis remains one of the most powerful tools for better outcomes. Men should be encouraged to pay attention to persistent symptoms, undergo regular health check-ups, eat a balanced diet, exercise daily, de-stress by practicing meditation and deep breathing, go for counseling, and seek medical advice when something does not feel right. Men, taking action too soon is not a sign of weakness; It is one of the smartest investments in long-term health.
