Neglected Men
Systematic Neglect in Healthcare Systems
Men's health has historically been overlooked by mainstream medicine due to a combination of cultural, institutional, and policy-driven factors. Health programs and systems have traditionally prioritized maternal, newborn, and child health, which has led to significant improvements in those areas but also to a relative neglect of men's healthcare needs. This disproportionate focus has perpetuated gender disparities, leaving many men with the perception that healthcare services are primarily designed for women and children [4]. This institutional bias and gender-blindness in health policies and service delivery models contribute to men feeling "left out," which discourages their engagement with healthcare services and exacerbates existing barriers to access and utilization [4].
Underutilization of Preventive Care
Men are less likely than women to seek preventive care, undergo routine checkups, or engage in health screenings. For example, only about half of men get regular checkups, and many delay care even when experiencing symptoms. This avoidance is influenced by societal expectations of masculinity, which promote stoicism, self-reliance, and a reluctance to admit vulnerability [1][3][5]. As a result, men are more likely to miss early indicators of serious health problems such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, leading to higher rates of morbidity and mortality compared to women [1][5][7].
Cultural and Psychological Barriers
Prevailing masculine ideals and cultural scripts about what it means to "be a man" significantly influence men's health behaviors. Men who endorse traditional masculinity beliefs are less likely to seek preventive care and more likely to delay seeking help for injuries or illnesses [3][4]. Fear, pride, and concerns about confidentiality or stigma further discourage men from accessing healthcare, particularly for sensitive issues like mental health or sexual and reproductive health [4][5]. Some men also express discomfort with female healthcare providers, especially for intimate health concerns, highlighting the need for more gender-sensitive care [4].
Healthcare Provider and Systemic Shortcomings
Healthcare providers often spend less time with male patients, provide them with fewer services, and offer less health information and advice compared to female patients [6]. For instance, physicians are far less likely to instruct men on self-examinations for testicular cancer than they are to instruct women on breast self-examinations [6]. There is also a lack of national, or provincial or state-level leadership focused on improving men's health, resulting in limited advocacy, resources, and tailored programs for men [7].
Impact on Minority and Vulnerable Populations
Disparities in healthcare access and quality are even more pronounced among minority men, who experience worse health outcomes and lower life expectancy than their white counterparts [2][6]. Factors such as economic marginality, adverse working conditions, and lower health literacy further compound these risks [6]. Minority men are also less likely to have a primary care provider and face additional barriers related to trust, financial constraints, and negative experiences with healthcare professionals [2][4][6]. In Canada where we have a serious shortage of primary care providers and where 6.5 million Canadians currently lack primary care access, there is a significant problem for many, including men, on how to best to access this unequal medical care model. It is a case of haves and have nots. Those that have a primary care provider and can, therefore, utilize the system and those that do not and therefore can not.
Conclusion
Men's health has been overlooked by mainstream medicine due to systemic biases, cultural norms around masculinity, underutilization of preventive care, and a lack of targeted policies and education. Addressing these gaps requires a multifaceted approach, including more gender-sensitive healthcare, increased advocacy and leadership, improved health education, and tailored interventions for minority and vulnerable populations [1][2][4][6][7].
