ABSTRACT
In most Western countries men live an average of 5.8 years less than women. Education and awareness of male health problems for both the public and healthcare providers, and early detection of these problems, will eventually result in reduced rates of morbidity and mortality, as well as reduced health costs for these diseases. Indeed, men visit the doctor 150% less than women for a variety of reasons, including fear, lack of information, a greater emphasis on performance rather than longevity, and a natural tendency to be a ‘risk taker’. Significant numbers of male health problems, such as prostate cancer (the most frequent cancer in men), benign prostatic hypertrophy, testicular cancer, incontinence, erectile dysfunction and various endocrine problems could be diagnosed and treated if men’s awareness of these problems was greater.
