Leading causes of death in men

Men must educate themselves more on the greatest risks to their health and understand that many chronic health conditions can be prevented.

Men have higher death rates than women for all of the leading causes of death, with the exception of Alzheimer's disease.

This gender imbalance can be attributed to men's lifestyle choices and their approach to health. The majority of smokers are male; men are more likely to drink unhealthy levels of alcohol, use illegal drugs and have a poor diet. Men are also more likely than women to be exposed to occupational health hazards, and less likely to visit their doctor, especially for mental health problems.

Did you know?

Poor lifestyles are responsible for a high proportion of chronic diseases.

Heart Disease

Heart or cardiovascular disease refers to conditions related to the process of atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries. This build up narrows the arteries, forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood, and potentially stopping blood flow if a clot forms.

Blocked blood vessels can lead to a heart attack, chest pain or stroke. Other heart conditions, such as those that affect the heart's muscle, valves or rhythm, also are considered forms of heart disease.

More men die from heart disease than women. Under age 65, three times more men than women die from heart attacks.

While many men may be unaware that they suffer from heart disease until a health incident occurs, there are red flags they should be aware of to better detect heart problems during the earliest and most treatable phases.

Possible symptoms

Breathlessness after moderate exercise
Chest pain
Tiring easily

Risk factors

High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Diabetes and prediabetes
Smoking
Being overweight or obese
Pain or tingling in the upper extremities
Fluttering in the chest
Light-headedness or dizziness
Being physically inactive
Having a family history of early heart disease
Unhealthy diet

Heart disease is easier to treat when detected early. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of heart disease, you have a family history of heart disease or you are concerned about your heart health, talk to your doctor about steps you can take to reduce your heart disease risk.

Cancer

In general men have a higher probability of developing cancer than women, and are also more likely to die from the disease. The main reasons for this gender imbalance can be attributed to lifestyle factors and men being more likely to ignore symptoms and less willing to visit their doctor. It is vital that men make themselves aware of the symptoms of common male cancers and understand the risk factors.

Prostate cancer

Possible symptoms

Reduced or weak urine flow
Frequent urination
Pain passing urine
Blood in urine

Risk factors

Age – risk increases with age
Overweight and obesity
Race – black men have a higher risk
Family history of prostate cancer

However – most prostate cancers in early stages do not produce any symptoms at all – that’s why it is vital to follow the recommended check up routine.

Skin cancer

Possible symptoms

Changes in size, shape or colour of moles
Itchy mole
Inflamed or bleeding mole

Risk factors

Sun exposure
Sunbed use

Bowel cancer

Possible symptoms

Bleeding from back passage
Abdominal pain
Change in bowel habits

Risk factors

Smoking
High red meat diet
Low fibre diet
High alcohol consumption
Overweight and obesity

Lung cancer

Possible symptoms

Persistent cough
Coughing up blood
Weight loss
Chest pain

Risk factors

Smoking
Exposure to second hand smoke
Exposure to radon gas and asbestos

Did you know?

One third of the most common cancers could be prevented if men ate a healthy diet, maintained a healthy weight and were more physically active.

Accidental Death

Men are twice as likely as women to die due to an accident. Though a leading cause of death for men, many unintentional injuries can be easily prevented.

Risk Factors

Falls
Impaired driving
Fire

Preventative steps

Be aware of hazards that can lead to a fall
Have a yearly eye check
Never drink and drive
Always wear a seatbelt
Install Smoke Alarms
Ensure heating units and wiring are professionally installed

Did you know?

For men aged 1 to 44 years, accidents are the number one cause of death.

Suicide

Suicide rates are four times higher for men than women, this gender imbalance can be attributed to men’s decision to use deadlier means when choosing a suicide method and their unwillingness to speak to their doctor.

Depression is one of the most important risk factors in male suicide. Unfortunately, male depression is under-diagnosed because men are less likely to seek help.

Symptoms for men at risk of suicide

Depression
Becoming socially withdrawn
Suffered a recent life crisis
Personality changes
Feelings of worthlessness
Alcohol or drug abuse
Frequent thoughts about death

Preventative steps

Talk to your doctor
Talk to family and friends
Exercise, eat well and get plenty of sleep
Don’t ignore stress – it may be hard to avoid, but it can be dealt with
Know your limits – it is ok to ask for help
Don’t self-medicate – don’t turn to alcohol, tobacco or drugs

You can’t just ‘get over’ depression, it is a disease which can be conquered by reaching out for some help.