Face the Facts
The reasons for the poor state of men’s health in New Zealand and around the world are numerous and complex and this is primarily due to a lack of awareness of the health issues men face. This can largely be attributed to the reluctance of men openly discussing the subject due to longstanding traditions, coupled with an ‘it’ll be alright’ attitude. Men are less likely to schedule doctors’ appointments when they feel ill or for an annual physical, thereby denying them the chance of early detection and effective treatment of common diseases.
The average life expectancy for men is five years less than women (presently 77 years old compared to 82)
1 in 2 men will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime compared to 1 in 3 women
Prostate cancer occurs mainly in men over 60, and is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in New Zealand men
Each day, 7 New Zealanders die from stroke, with a further 5, 500 strokes occurring and often resulting in disability. A third of these strokes are attributable to high blood pressure. Therefore, having your blood pressure regularly monitored is a good preventative measure
Bowel Cancer (also known as colorectal cancer) is the most common cancer in NZ. But bowel cancer is one of the most treatable and beatable cancers if caught early. Although it is most prevalent in people age 50+, men of all ages should watch out for any signs of bowel cancer
Smoking causes more deaths every year in New Zealand than road crashes, suicide, skin cancers, drowning and homicide combined. It is no secret that if you are a smoker, it increases your risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and a range of cancers and other diseases.
Depression affects one in six people at any time
1 in 10 NZ men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime. Some will need treatment and some will live with it, however don't take any chances. From age 40 get an annual prostate cancer check - starting with a simple blood test. Prostate cancer is curable if you get to it early enough
Four times as many men commit suicide compared with women
Men account for 70% of alcohol related deaths
One-third of men have not seen a doctor in the past year. 10% have not seen one for five years
