Top 5 Male Health Problems

According to the NHS, over 100,000 men in the UK die every year prematurely due to their approach to their own health care. 

Typically, it is believed that men do not go to their GP as frequently as women, even when they suspect a health concern. So, here we take a look at five health issues that men should not ignore.

1. Abnormal lumps

In 2014 46,690 new cases of prostate cancer were reported, while 2,418 men were diagnosed with testicular cancer in the same year. With both types of cancer on the rise, it is so important for men to check regularly and report any unusual or new lumps in their testicles. In most cases, the lump won't be cancerous, but it's better to err on the side of caution and visit your GP. Remember, testicular cancer is most common in men aged between 20 to 35 years old, so no matter your age be sure to get anything unusual checked.

2. Skin and mole changes

According to research carried out by Cancer Research UK, skin cancer is the 16th most common cause of cancer death in males in the UK. For this reason, it is so important that you check any moles that you have regularly, and see your GP if anything changes. These are changes such as increase in size, change of colour, or bleeding from the mole. Also, be aware of any new moles that might have appeared on your skin, and report them to your doctor too.

3. Depression

On average, 13 men each day in the UK lose their life through suicide. If you are feeling extreme sadness consistently, have no or little interest in the things you usually enjoy, or are having thoughts of hurting yourself, contact your GP as soon as possible. They will be able to offer help and advice. Remember, while depression might be more common in women, statistically men are far more likely to commit suicide as they find it difficult to seek help. 

4. Impotence

Erectile dysfunction might not seem to be a top health risk, but it could actually be signalling you towards another underlying health issue. While ED affects half of all men between 40 and 70 years old at some point, it can sometimes be an early warning sign of heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure. If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction for more than a few weeks, visit your GP for a health check.

5. Early signs of a heart problem

Coronary heart disease is the single most common cause of death in under 65 year olds, accounting for 16% of male deaths. If you are experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, extreme tiredness, tingling or numbness in your hands or feet, be sure to visit your GP so that they can assess your cardio health.