As a gynaecologist, much of my daily work is centred around women’s health. Yet every November, I find myself having the same important conversation: we must not forget about men’s health. In the Caribbean, where family structures are close-knit and health outcomes are deeply interconnected, men’s well-being profoundly affects entire households.
Across the region, men tend to access healthcare far less frequently than women. It is common to see women bringing their partners, fathers, brothers, or sons to clinics because “he won’t go unless I make him.” This reluctance is not trivial—it translates into later diagnoses, poorer treatment outcomes, and preventable complications. As physicians, we see this pattern repeatedly, and November allows us to highlight why it must change.
In fact, a previous survey performed in the US confirmed that most men do not even like to talk about their health. This study questioned men between the ages of 18 and 70 and found that they would rather talk with their friends about the news, current events, their jobs, their children, sports—in fact, anything else other than their health.
According to the survey, 53 per cent of men said that their health just was not something they spoke about. They dragged their feet about seeing a doctor, and about 60 per cent said they only go after a symptom or problem became unbearable. Some 20 per cent admitted the only reason they finally went to the doctor was to stop a spouse or significant other from nagging them. In addition, men who were from the baby boomer generation, ages 52 to 70, were the most private about their health and least likely to ask for help.
Sadly, this results in a major health crisis facing our men that is not being spoken about. November is usually the month when you may hear more about men’s health awareness, but ideally, this needs to be all year round.
According to statistics from the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men die at higher rates than women from the top ten causes of death. They are more likely to die of heart disease, more often killed in accidents, and more prone to suffer from drug or alcohol addictions than women. At all stages of life, in fact, men are more likely to die than women.
Also concerning is the fact that mental health is one of the most stigmatised issues affecting men. Caribbean men are disproportionately affected by untreated depression, substance use, and suicide. Societal expectations to “man up,” avoid emotional vulnerability, and shoulder burdens silently make it harder for men to seek help.
The consequences are unfortunately delayed treatment, relationship breakdowns, worsening chronic illness, and, in the most tragic cases, suicide. Asking for help often means having to rely on others, admitting there is a problem and expressing emotions. Many in the healthcare profession are fully aware that masculinity is a major barrier to mental health.
Encouraging men to speak openly, access counselling, and understand that mental health is part of overall health is essential for healthier families and communities.
It is worth emphasising that promoting men’s health does not compete with women’s health but strengthens it. When men are healthier, families are more stable, caregiving responsibilities are more evenly shared, and communities benefit. Partners and relatives play a crucial role: encouraging a check-up, sharing information, or even simply starting the conversation can make a meaningful difference.
This November, I urge our men to take one concrete step: schedule a health check. Whether it is a prostate screening, blood pressure test, or mental-health conversation, start somewhere. For those who love them—keep nudging, keep supporting, keep educating.
Men’s health is not just a November campaign; it is a year-round responsibility.
