One of the key factors that continue to put men on the back foot when it comes to mental and physical wellbeing is an avoidable lifestyle and health risk behaviours. Such behaviours involve sedentary lifestyles (participating in limited physical activity), alcohol and other substances, and poor diet.

Another significant contributing factor surrounding the challenges of men’s health is social and developmental factors. In particular, how Australian culture traditionally views masculinity and the pressure this then places on men from a young age.

In most Western cultures, men often feel the need to be seen as physically and emotionally independent. This can make them less likely to admit to pain or seek medical advice and more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviours to assert and solidify their masculinity. These behaviours then reduce the likelihood of early diagnosis or treatment and may result in serious health consequences.

Men also rely on their partners and friends for help or advice over professionals. This is due to feelings of embarrassment, anxiety, or a lack of confidence in speaking to their GPs or other healthcare professionals. An added issue to this point is that men are also less likely to have strong social networks that provide them with the support they would require. This, in turn, lowers their chances of being given the push they may need to access professional support.

But it’s not all bad news. Over the last five decades, there has been a significant increase in Australian men’s overall health and life expectancy. Recent initiatives such as Men’s Health Awareness Month and Movember that put men’s health in the spotlight and strive to reduce the stigma surrounding it have shown amazing results – but it doesn’t have to be something we focus on for one month a year. Small acts in everyday life are something we can all commit to.