June marks Men’s Health Month, yet many South African men continue to avoid healthcare facilities and delay medical checkups. Professional nurse Nhlanhla Mofokeng shared insights with the Brakpan Herald on why men often postpone seeking medical help and skip regular health screenings.
Mofokeng attributes this trend to a mix of social, psychological, and systemic factors. These include entrenched societal norms about masculinity, fear and denial, perceived inconvenience, unfamiliarity with healthcare systems, lack of awareness, and broader cultural and socioeconomic challenges.
“Many men ignore or delay treatment until their health problems become severe,” she said. “In my unit alone, we see numerous young men who have attempted suicide.”
Overcoming Barriers to Men’s Healthcare
Changing this pattern requires addressing cultural, emotional, and systemic barriers. Mofokeng suggests strategies such as reshaping the narrative around masculinity, involving family members in healthcare decisions, making clinics more welcoming and accessible, promoting relatable male role models, and empowering male healthcare workers to lead by example.
“Recognising warning signs early is one of the best ways to prevent serious illness or death,” she emphasized. “Men often downplay symptoms, but certain red flags should never be ignored—no matter your age or lifestyle.”
Key Symptoms Men Should Never Ignore
Mofokeng highlighted important symptoms that warrant immediate attention:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden confusion, difficulty speaking, or facial drooping
- Unexplained weight loss
- Constant fatigue
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- Erectile dysfunction
- Lumps or swelling in the testicles
- Persistent cough or hoarseness
- Mood changes or social withdrawal
She also stressed South Africa’s ongoing tuberculosis (TB) crisis. “Unexplained weight loss, coughing lasting more than two weeks, night sweats, and loss of appetite could indicate TB. Clinics provide testing and treatment, but many men are unaware of these services.”
Men’s Health Services Are Widely Available
Mofokeng noted that many men do not realise the full range of healthcare services available at public clinics. These include general medical care, male-specific health screenings, cancer checks, mental health support, sexual and reproductive health services, diagnostic tests, preventative care, and emergency treatment.
Commonly Overlooked Men’s Health Issues
Several health concerns frequently go unnoticed or untreated among men:
Cardiovascular Disease: Symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath are often dismissed. High blood pressure, known as the “silent killer,” frequently remains undiagnosed.
Mental Health: Depression, anxiety, and stress carry stigma. Men may express distress through anger, substance abuse, or withdrawal. Suicide rates are alarmingly high among middle-aged and older men.
Diabetes: Fatigue, frequent urination, and slow-healing wounds are often mistaken for aging. Type 2 diabetes can remain undiagnosed without screening.
Obesity and Poor Nutrition: Gradual weight gain and unhealthy diets increase risks of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Prostate Issues: Urinary problems like frequent urination or weak flow are often ignored. Prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are common but under-screened.
Testicular Issues: Testicular cancer mainly affects younger men, yet self-exams are rare due to embarrassment.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Often viewed as a threat to masculinity, ED can signal heart disease, diabetes, or hormonal imbalances.
Substance Abuse: Men are more prone to risky alcohol or drug use and less likely to seek help, often using substances to cope.
Colon Cancer: Fear or embarrassment about colonoscopies prevents many from screening, despite early detection being highly treatable.
Injuries and Risky Behavior: Younger men often engage in reckless activities and neglect injuries that may cause long-term health issues.
Practical Advice for Men’s Health
Listen to your body: Never ignore persistent or unusual symptoms.
Seek regular checkups: Early screening can detect problems before they worsen.
Talk openly: Discuss health concerns with trusted family or healthcare providers.
Adopt healthy habits: Balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding harmful substances support long-term wellbeing.
Use available resources: Public clinics offer comprehensive men’s health services—take advantage of them.
By breaking down barriers and promoting awareness, South African men can improve their health outcomes and quality of life. Recognizing warning signs early and seeking timely care are critical steps toward healthier futures.
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