In this article, Dr Nimitt Nagda, Internal Medicine Expert at Zynova Shalby Hospital, sheds light on the hidden health issues men often ignore when they say “I’m fine.” He explains how men are less likely to utilize healthcare services compared to women, dismissing symptoms like fatigue, breathlessness, poor sleep, low mood, and unexplained weight changes as stress or ageing. Dr Nagda highlights critical health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, prostate cancer (the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in 112 countries, accounting for 15% of all male cancers worldwide), and mental health challenges like depression and anxiety that often remain unaddressed. He calls for men to take charge of their health through timely check-ups, regular screenings, a balanced diet, exercise, stress management, and counselling, emphasizing that early diagnosis is one of the most powerful tools for better outcomes and that taking action early is smart, not weak.
Men often say that “I am fine,” and avoid going for any health check-ups. However, before that, “I am fine,” “No need to worry,” could be an undiagnosed mental-health related issue, heart disease, diabetes, prostate, liver, or kidney health issues. According to the study Understanding Men’s Engagement and Disengagement When Seeking Support for Mental Health published in the American Journal of Men’s Health in 2023, Men are less likely to utilize health care services compared with women.
Hence, it is the need of the hour for men to take charge of their health and ensure to seek timely help without fail. So, men, make sure to consult the doctor and schedule timely health check-ups to improve the quality of life.
Men tend to shoulder duties when it comes to the family and even the workplace. They are also professionally required to fulfil the responsibilities even if they are not feeling well. Many men have the risk of fatigue, breathlessness, poor sleep, low mood, or unexplained weight changes. Men may often dismiss it, thinking that it can be due to stress, age, or overexertion. There are a large number of men who also tend to struggle with depression and anxiety due to constant stress that arises from professional and personal life, relationships, and health issues. According to the study Why Do Young Men Not Seek Help For Affective Mental Health Issues? A Systematic Review Of Perceived Barriers And Facilitators Among Adolescent Boys And Young Men- Men are less likely to seek help for their mental health than women, but less is known about the specific patterns of help-seeking in adolescent boys and young men. This is concerning as adolescent boys and young men have high suicide rates but a low take-up of services. It is therefore of particular importance that the access needs of this group are understood. This review sought to identify the barriers and facilitators faced by adolescent boys and young men in help-seeking for affective mental health disorders.
Even another 2024 study, “Men’s Mental Health- Conceptualization, Effects, and Coping,” published in Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, found that depression and anxiety in men often remain unaddressed and may present differently from traditional symptoms.
Other hidden health problems men often ignore
Heart disease: Persistent fatigue, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, dizziness, or reduced stamina may signal underlying heart disease. Unfortunately, many men attribute these symptoms to work stress, lack of sleep, or ageing, delaying diagnosis.
Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes often develops gradually. Excessive thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, and unexplained fatigue can go unnoticed for months or even years. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent complications affecting the heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes.
Sleep apnea: Loud snoring, poor sleep quality, morning headaches, and daytime sleepiness may indicate obstructive sleep apnea. Left untreated, sleep apnea increases the risk of hypertension, heart disease, stroke, memory issues, and reduced productivity.
Cancer: Even a large number of men tend to suffer from prostate cancer and should seek timely help to improve their quality of life. According to The Lancet Commission on Prostate Cancer: Planning for the Surge in Cases (2024), prostate cancer is currently the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in 112 countries and accounts for approximately 15% of all male cancers worldwide. The Commission warns that the global burden of prostate cancer is expected to rise significantly in the coming decades. The study projects that annual new prostate cancer cases will increase from 1.4 million in 2020 to nearly 2.9 million by 2040, representing more than a two-fold increase. Researchers attribute this rise primarily to population growth and increasing life expectancy, resulting in more men reaching ages where prostate cancer becomes more common.
Societal expectations, busy work schedules, fear of diagnosis, and the desire to appear strong often discourage men from discussing symptoms or visiting a doctor. Unfortunately, waiting until symptoms become severe can make treatment more complicated and reduce the chances of early recovery. Another 2024 systematic review, “Workplace Interventions Targeting Mental Health Literacy, Stigma, Help-Seeking, and Help-Offering in Male-Dominated Industries,” highlighted how stigma and traditional expectations around masculinity continue to prevent many men from seeking timely mental health support.
Whether it is heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, or mental health challenges, early diagnosis remains one of the most powerful tools for better outcomes. Men should be encouraged to pay attention to persistent symptoms, undergo regular health screenings, eat a balanced diet, exercise daily, de-stress by doing meditation and deep breathing, go for counselling, and seek medical advice when something doesn’t feel right. Men, taking action early is not a sign of weakness; it is one of the smartest investments in long-term health.
