Men are significantly less likely than women to seek preventative healthcare, with recent survey data suggesting that just one in 10 South African men go for regular health screenings.
As a result, many of the most common health conditions in men, from heart disease to prostate cancer, are increasingly diagnosed at later stages, when treatment is more complex and outcomes are often poorer.
As Men’s Health Month puts a spotlight on early intervention, Dr Evelyn Moshokoa, Specialist Urologist at Mediclinic Midstream, says that South African men tend to seek help only once symptoms begin to interfere with their quality of life. “The most common concerns we see are prostate disease, erectile dysfunction and a decline in sexual performance,” she explains. “But many men only come in when there are obvious symptoms, rather than for routine or precautionary annual check-ups.”
By that stage, Dr Moshokoa warns that opportunities for early detection may have already been missed. “Conditions like prostate cancer – the most prevalent cancer among South African men – often develop silently, with few or no symptoms in the early stages. So, by the time men begin showing symptoms, the window for early intervention may already be considerably narrower.”
This delay is not limited to cancer. Lifestyle-related conditions, including diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, are also frequently diagnosed late, despite being largely preventable or manageable when detected early.
According to Dr Moshokoa, there are multiple overlapping reasons preventing men from prioritising their health, many of which are intertwined. “Men are often too busy to consult, or they are scared of seeing a doctor and receiving bad news. There is also a sense of embarrassment,” she explains. “Societal expectations can make men feel that seeking help is a sign of weakness, and there is a lot of pressure to be providers, so many try to limit downtime or sick leave.”
While many health risks are shared across genders, some conditions are unique to men or present differently. “Only men have a prostate, so conditions such as prostate enlargement or prostate cancer are specific risks,” says Dr Moshokoa. She explains that complications such as urinary retention – often linked to prostate obstruction or previous infections – are also commonly seen in clinical practice.
Lifestyle factors further compound these risks, she notes. “We are seeing increasing cases of obesity, low testosterone, erectile dysfunction and insulin resistance. These are all linked to stress, poor diet, alcohol use, smoking and physical inactivity.”
Rather than waiting until something is wrong, Dr Moshokoa is urging South African men to start with prevention. “This means living a healthy lifestyle and seeking medical attention early,” she says, adding that routine screening plays a critical role in this approach. “Men should prioritise checks for prostate health, blood pressure, diabetes and obesity – these basic screenings can help identify risks long before they develop into more serious conditions.”
Improving men’s health outcomes, however, requires a shift not only in behaviour, but in broader societal attitudes. “Breaking down stigma, normalising check-ups, and encouraging earlier engagement with healthcare providers could go a long way in changing the trajectory of men’s health in South Africa.
“We need to create space for more open, proactive conversations about health,” she concludes. “As a doctor, my message to South African men is that they are not alone and we are here to help.”
For further information, please contact:
Mediclinic Southern Africa
Corporate Communication Manager
Email: media@mediclinic.co.za
Tel: 021 809 6500