The men in my life are not defined by the male stereotypes portrayed by mass media. They are not beer-drinking, sports-obsessed, insensitive, careless Peter Pans. In fact, they are some of the most caring, respectful, mature and loving people of either sex that I’ve ever known. They are wonderful to everyone in their lives, except themselves.

"One of four (24%) men said they would wait as long as possible before seeing a doctor and another 17 percent would wait at least a week"

An essay by Germain Dulac, Ph.D., Associate Researcher, Centre for Applied Family Studies, School of Social Service, McGill University, states that “Evidence shows that men react differently to difficulties and stress. Their behaviour is related to their socialization as men (they do not verbalize their feelings and emotions, nor do they tend to ask for help). …They frequently do not have a strong support network to rely on, they become a high-risk group.”

On average, men see doctors less often than women do. Yet they are admitted to emergency more often, and stay in hospitals for longer periods.

A study published by The Commonwealth Fund in 2000* found that “men tend to avoid seeking medical attention or delay getting care despite warning signs. When asked what they would do if they were in pain or feeling sick, one of four (24%) men said they would wait as long as possible before seeing a doctor and another 17 percent would wait at least a week. …When they do seek care, social taboos or embarrassment can sometimes prevent men from openly discussing health concerns with their physicians. These and other findings point to a need for expanded efforts to address men’s special health concerns and risks and their attitudes toward health care.”

Men’s Health Week, June 14 – 20, 2004, is an international event, the purpose of which is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.

In anticipation of Men’s Health Week, men are encouraged to become in tune their bodies in much the same way that women have been counselled to do. Regular testicular self-examinations, annual prostate screenings, blood pressure and cholesterol testing, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and reliable methods of stress-relief can go far towards realizing optimal health.

According to Health Canada, on average, a Canadian man born in the 1990s can expect to live to be about 75. The average Canadian woman will live about six years longer. For men of all ages, over one in four deaths are linked to cancer, and the number of prostate cancer cases is rising.

More than 19,000 Canadian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer annually. Low-risk men are advised to start going for annual prostate checks at age 50. Those who are African Canadian or have a family history of prostate cancer are advised to have yearly screenings starting at 40. Men can take a blood test, although critics warn results aren't reliable. Alternatively, men may have a digital rectal examination of the prostate. Caught early, the cure rate of prostate cancer is as high as 85%. If undetected till the advanced stage, there's a 15% five-year survival rate.


Testicular cancer is most common in men ages 15 to 34 and is one of most frequently seen tumours diagnosed in men under 40. If detected and treated in the primary stages, testicular cancer is almost 100% curable. A monthly testicular self-examination can help detect lumps in their most treatable stages. Visit the Canadian Cancer Society for more information on testicular self-examination.

Whether the cause of medical neglect is a lack of awareness, poor health education, and culturally induced behaviour patterns in their work and personal lives, men's health and well-being are of great concern.

Tips from the Mens Health Network include:

1. Try to be pro-active-not reactive.
2. Begin to pay attention to your health all of the time, not just when you are feeling ill.
3. Don’t wait too long to seek help.

It is time for men to adopt the spirit of good health!