A survey of 2,000 men has uncovered a striking contradiction: while 92% would urge a friend to visit their GP, nearly half admit to delaying seeking medical help for their own health issues. The research, commissioned by health test provider Medichecks, highlights a common reluctance among men to prioritize their own well-being.
Key Findings on Men's Health Behaviors
The study found that 40% of men have intervened when a friend refused to seek medical help, with 22% doing so on multiple occasions. Yet 47% confessed to postponing an appointment for themselves when experiencing similar symptoms. Only 14% seek help immediately upon noticing something wrong, while 40% typically wait weeks before booking a GP appointment. Over half (52%) admitted they frequently delay until symptoms become impossible to ignore.
Worryingly, almost a quarter (23%) of those who delayed seeking help later discovered their condition was serious. Common reasons for postponement included hoping the problem would resolve itself, feeling it wasn't severe enough, lengthy waiting times (21%), being too busy (18%), or a belief they needed to 'tough it out' (18%).
Pop-Up Bar Encourages Health Conversations
To address this issue, Medichecks has partnered with former footballer and broadcaster Chris Kamara to launch the Well Man Arms Bar at the Trent Navigation Inn in Nottingham. The pop-up aims to encourage men to discuss health while watching football, blending social activity with health awareness.
Chris Kamara commented: 'Football fans can spend hours debating team line-ups or transfer windows, but when it comes to their own health, many go quiet. The research shows nearly every man would tell a mate to get checked out, but many won't take their own advice. We're brilliant at looking after our mates, but not always ourselves. If we can get even a few men to stop putting things off, that's a win.'
Impact of Masculine Stereotypes
The findings also revealed that 73% of men believe outdated masculine stereotypes, such as the expectation to remain stoic and suffer in silence, contribute to their reluctance to seek medical attention. However, attitudes are shifting, with only 17% now admitting they wouldn't open up to a friend or family member about health concerns. Once at the GP, only 13% feel uncomfortable discussing their health.
Dr Natasha Fernando, medical director at Medichecks, added: 'The disconnect between how men look after others and themselves is striking. The issue isn't lack of awareness but putting our health at the bottom of the priority list. Many serious conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes develop silently. Being proactive with GP appointments or health checks is crucial.'
