Too many British men are still putting their lives and wellbeing at risk by ignoring health symptoms, according to new research. A study on behalf of not-for-profit healthcare provider Benenden Health revealed that seven in 10 have disregarded symptoms, with many admitting they prioritise the wellbeing of loved ones over their own health. The research, conducted among 2,000 working men, aged 30-55 across the UK, highlights a widespread pattern of men delaying, downplaying or deprioritising health concerns, often until a significant “wake-up call” forces them to reassess.
Benenden Health’s member data also shows that men are significantly less likely than women to engage with key health services – accounting for just 24% of usage compared to 76% among female members – across areas of support such as health coaching, GP services, and mental health. The issue of “health ostriching” appears to be rife as more than two-thirds of men surveyed admitted they have ignored symptoms or health concerns they were worried about, while more than a quarter said they had done this on multiple occasions.
Meanwhile, 76% agreed that they tend to prioritise the health of loved ones and others over considering and managing their own health. Two-fifths of men who delayed seeking help said this was because they hoped the issue would disappear, while 28% said they didn’t think the concern was serious enough to warrant medical attention.
According to the research, 66% of men have experienced a health-related “wake-up call” that made them think more seriously about their health. For many, these moments were deeply personal. The most common trigger was their own health scare (35%), followed by a health scare or diagnosis involving someone else (32%), the death of someone close to them (25%), or a family member becoming ill (23%).
The good news is that, despite previously delaying action, the vast majority of men who experienced a wake-up call did take steps to improve their health. Nearly two-thirds said they acted immediately, while a further 34% admitted they only took action after some time.
Actor Will Mellor, who has teamed up with Benenden to encourage men to be proactive about their health, says: “As men, we generally put things off. Or we’ll go, ‘I’m sure it’ll be fine, we’ll just leave it.’ Or we put other people before ourselves and our family. And that’s the worst thing you can do. Since I turned 50, I’ve realised that I have lost quite a few people in my life, especially people I grew up with, who are of a similar age to me. And I thought, ‘What if something’s going on and I don’t know about it?’ So, I’ve had a full check-up done, had my prostate checked and everything else. Because ignoring it is the worst thing you can do.”
Dr Cheryl Lythgoe, Nurse Consultant at Benenden Health, says: “For many men, putting off getting help can feel easier at the time. Some hope symptoms will go away on their own. Others tell themselves the problem is not serious enough to speak to a doctor or nurse. But waiting can mean missing the chance to spot and deal with health problems early.
“What stood out most from the research was that many men only rethink their health after a big ‘wake-up call’. Two-thirds said they had been through one. This could be their own health scare or the illness or loss of someone close to them.
“The good news is that most men do take action once that wake-up call comes. As a clinician, I do not want men to wait for a crisis before they start taking their health seriously. Looking after your health does not have to mean making big changes overnight. It can be as simple as booking a check-up, talking about symptoms, going to routine screenings or getting support for your mental health. Small steps, taken early, can make a big difference later on.
“Looking after your health is not selfish. It is one of the most important things you can do for the people who rely on you. The message for men is simple: do not wait for a wake-up call. If something does not feel right, get advice early. Your future self, and people who love you, will thank you.”
For more about Benenden Health’s The Wake-Up Call campaign visit benenden.co.uk/wake-up-call
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
