Men also have a particular challenge in accessing care, putting a value on independence above all things — including their health. National research shows men are born fixers, a result of toxic masculine norms that promote the suppression of vulnerability. This cultural pressure leads many men to “tough it out” and delay medical consultations until symptoms become unbearable, ultimately risking their health.
Statistics show a troubling difference in health seeking behavior between genders. Men have not been willing to interact with the healthcare system. They are less likely to attend regular health appointments, and more likely to miss preventive care interventions such as the NHS bowel cancer screening programme. Individuals are wary due to an intimidating cocktail of cultural stigma and internalized identity. First, they think they have to figure out how to fix their problems without any outside help.
This is made worse by the common tendency for men to self-manage health conditions. When unable to contact their General Practitioner (GP), many men choose to handle their ailments on their own rather than seeking help. Paul Galdas, a researcher in men’s health, notes that men are “less likely to attend routine appointments and more likely to delay help-seeking until symptoms interfere with daily function.” Unfortunately, this pattern disadvantages them when it comes to timely diagnosis and treatment.
Men’s reluctance to engage in conversations about their health needs adds to their susceptibility. Others are deterred by stigma, the belief that asking for support means you’re weak. Brendan Gough, an expert in the field, highlights this cultural phenomenon: “Men are traditionally supposed to sort things out themselves.” This dangerous belief shuts down important, honest discussions about health. Because of this, it contributes to a lack of understanding on the value of preventive care and routine check-ups.
The effects of this mentality go well beyond impacting our physical wellbeing. In addition, men are less likely to seek help for mental health problems. They do not act until a challenge becomes a crisis. Galdas points out that “many men feel that help-seeking threatens their sense of independence or competence.” This false perception forms a dangerous barrier that keeps them from seeking life-saving resources and support networks.
As Dr. Claire Fuller says, GPs are the first and often the best point of access for health care. She states, “GPs are often the best way to access the help they need.” For men who dare to reject this path, the price is often fatal. Jonathan, a cancer survivor, urges his peers to reconsider their reluctance: “There is absolutely no need to be embarrassed. The alternative could kill you – literally.” His statement illustrates the deadly dangers of waiting too long for care.
In addition to the barriers men face when seeking care, low levels of health literacy further complicate men’s interactions with the healthcare system. Few men have any real understanding of their health risks and demystifying the importance of preventive care. The lack of awareness and understanding contributes to a higher prevalence of poor health outcomes and mortality rates in men than women.
Much more work is being done on the ground to change this dynamic and get men seeking medical help before a crisis starts. Dr. Pillon advocates for creating an environment where men feel comfortable using health services: “Embed the idea that you can come and use health services.” By encouraging a more constructive conversation around the realities of health, we as a society can begin to disarm the stigma around men’s health struggles.
Oliver Wiltshire plays a key role in programmes encouraging men to speak more freely about their health journeys. In doing so, he especially highlights the transformative power of sharing those experiences with other people. “Whether it’s practical advice, honest chat or just knowing someone else gets it, that connection can make a big difference.” Counseling programs that provide a safe space for men to share their challenges and experiences can help change the narrative and promote the adoption of healthier behaviors.
Ultimately, improving men’s health will take a multifaceted approach that unites education, open dialogue, and a shift in society. Realize that most of the time men just want to solve things on their own. As oyster restoration expert Kevin McMullan tells it, this thinking goes a long way to explain why they don’t ask for aid. Viewing health issues through the same lens as other problems—such as fixing a flat tire—can promote a more proactive approach to healthcare.
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