The top 5 health issues South African men need to be aware of
Take control of your health by knowing which health issues are most common in men and what the symptoms are.
June is Men’s Health Month, making it the ideal time to visit your local GP or clinic for an annual health check – a procedure many South Africans like to ignore, but need to get used to maintain their good health.
It is particularly crucial to ensure early detection of any underlying health issues, especially these top five problems most common in South African men:
- Prostate cancer remains the most prevalent cancer among South African men, affecting the walnut-sized gland below the bladder. Annually, over 4,300 new cases are diagnosed, resulting in five deaths daily, according to The Men’s Foundation South Africa. Risk factors include age (it is more common in men over 50), ethnicity, family history, obesity, and diet.
Early stages often show no symptoms, making regular screenings critical. Symptoms include frequent urination (especially at night), difficulty urinating, weak urine flow, erectile dysfunction, painful ejaculation and blood in urine or semen. Advanced stages may involve lower back, hip, or thigh pain.
- Mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, are increasingly prevalent. Symptoms may differ from those in women and include persistent sadness, irritability, and changes in sleep or appetite. Factors such as financial stress, trauma, and societal expectations and cultural norms that discourage emotional expression and help-seeking contribute to these issues.
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) significantly impact South African men, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyles, high cholesterol levels, and excess body fat contribute to elevated risk levels. Common symptoms of CVD diseases include chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
- Diabetes ranks as the second leading cause of death among men in the country, with type 2 diabetes linked to excess abdominal fat being a predominant risk factor. Other risk factors include advancing age, physical inactivity, obesity, family history, hypertension, and elevated cholesterol levels. Symptoms of diabetes encompass increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, slow wound healing, and occasionally erectile dysfunction.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is particularly common among men aged 45 and above. Factors contributing to higher prevalence rates among men include smoking, occupational hazards (such as mining or construction work), and indoor air pollution from biomass fuel combustion in rural areas. Common symptoms include a persistent cough with mucus, shortness of breath (especially during physical activity), wheezing, chest tightness, and frequent respiratory infections.
For more information about men’s health, visit Dis-Chem.
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