Men’s Health: The Silent Barrier

In Cuban households, the third Sunday of June marks the arrival of Father’s Day.

Beyond congratulating the “dads” in the family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and acquaintances, CubaSí proposes a conversation about the health of fathers—and men in general.

Seeking medical help at the first sign of symptoms can prevent more serious health issues.

It turns out that, as a rule rather than an exception, men take less care of their health than women do. Consequently, this gender gap reveals that men generally have a shorter life expectancy than women. This trend occurs worldwide, including in Cuba, where women live five years longer on average.

For this reason, focused attention on men’s health is increasingly prioritized on healthcare agendas around the globe, with medicine adopting a gender-sensitive approach to the issues affecting this population group.

The disparity is so concerning on a global scale that many countries have dedicated the week leading up to Father’s Day to men’s health awareness.

Maintaining healthy lifestyles is key to disease prevention.

The goal is clear: to raise awareness and responsibility regarding preventable illnesses and disorders affecting both younger and adult men, while facilitating the development of strategies to ensure proper healthcare.

A closer look at some statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) provides a revealing diagnosis of the epidemiological differences between sexes:

— Globally, nearly 52% of deaths from Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) occur in men.

— Men are more likely to die before reaching 70 years of age.

— The risk of dying from ischemic heart disease is 75% higher among men.

— Thirty-six percent of male deaths are preventable, compared to 19% for females.

— Mortality rates from external causes are four times higher in men; men are seven times more likely to be homicide victims.

Another major health concern for men is prostate cancer. Despite its high incidence, it continues to be detected at advanced stages in Cuba and much of the world, according to an article on the Ministry of Public Health’s (MINSAP) website.

In that article, Dr. Antonio Bouzó López, a Urology specialist and Assistant Professor at the Manuel Fajardo Faculty of Medical Sciences in Havana, emphasizes that early detection offers a second chance at life.

"Health is the real wealth, not pieces of gold and silver."

— Mahatma Gandhi

In line with this quote, it is clear that, despite statistics not always fully reflecting its depth, the deterioration of men’s health continues to contribute to high morbidity and mortality rates.

However, it must also be recognized that men themselves bear primary responsibility for their health. Not only do men live shorter lives, but their lifestyles tend to be less healthy overall.

Male hypertension is directly linked to poor diet, sedentary habits, and addictions such as smoking and alcohol consumption.

This phenomenon negatively impacts family, work, social and economic environments, as well as public health services.

Most underlying causes relate to avoidable and modifiable lifestyle choices, either voluntarily made by men or imposed by society.

“Obesity, hypertension, and diabetes are directly connected to poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and addictions like smoking and alcohol use,” warns the Health Management Bulletin “Men’s Health in Cuba,” published by MINSAP specialists.

The report acknowledges that providing effective healthcare for men presents multiple challenges, especially considering the historical patterns of machismo culture through which men have generally been socialized.

A prevailing norm seems to instill in men the belief that they must always appear “strong.” Therefore, any sign of illness—or even engaging in health care—is often viewed as a weakness, delaying treatment and making men more vulnerable to complications.

It is evident that societal constructions of what “masculinity should be” only worsen the causes and effects that limit men’s chances for better quality of life.

According to global statistics, men have a higher probability of dying before the age of 70.

The Men’s Health Management in Cuba bulletin outlines numerous barriers faced by healthcare systems in addressing men’s health. These include unhealthy habits, rigid gender stereotypes, lack of information, cultural obstacles, and others.

All of this results in low utilization of preventive and curative services, scarcity of gender-sensitive programs, and a growing prevalence of NCDs.

Moreover, the report recognizes that most health sector strategies so far have focused on women’s health, particularly around pregnancy and motherhood. Thus, starting from family planning and pregnancy, it is both possible and timely to involve men more deeply in managing their own health, with the ultimate goal of fostering a “healthy family.”

Accordingly, it is necessary to understand today’s male reality in its biological, sociocultural, and political-economic contexts to raise men’s awareness about self-care. “This way, we will help men and boys lead longer, healthier lives.”

Therefore, the commemoration of Men’s Health Week can be an opportunity to collectively embrace responsibility and creativity to multiply efforts—so that the privilege of honoring fathers on their day is not diminished by shortened lives.

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Díaz / CubaSí Translation Staff