coronavirus-and-the-sexes Coronavirus and the sexes

Reports suggest that men may be more at risk for contracting COVID-19. This biosocial factor is an interesting finding in Sanlam’s analysis of risk factors for severe disease. South African data in the same analysis suggests there are currently more male COVID-19 fatalities than female. This makes it more important than ever for men to look after their health and to get help, should they show symptoms of disease.

Dr Louis Boshoff, Medical Adviser at Sanlam, says a potential explanation for the higher COVID-19 risk, may be linked to the theory that testosterone levels in men can facilitate Coronavirus infections and increase the severity of symptoms.

It is not uncommon for men to be averse to visit the doctor. Now is the time to work through that and get help as soon as it is needed. Dr Boshoff argues that it’s critical that men know what illnesses they’re most at risk of contracting so they can keep a lookout for symptoms.

These can typically include:

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in men. Although the disease is rare before the age of 50, your age, race, and family history may contribute to your risk of developing prostate cancer. Symptoms to look out for include blood found in urine or semen, frequent urination especially at night, difficulty starting and stopping urination, having a weak or interrupted urinary system, and experiencing a painful or burning sensation during urination or ejaculation. Should you experience any of these symptoms, consult your doctor, who will do a blood test to measure prostate-specific antigen (PSA) which is a protein produced by prostate cells.

Testicular cancer

Although rare compared to other cancers, this is one of the most common cancers in men between the ages of 15 and 35. Common signs include swelling or a lump in a testicle that feels heavy, pain and discomfort or a dull ache in the testicles, or a sudden build-up of fluid in the scrotum. The good news is that this form of cancer is very treatable with a favourable prognosis. Dr Boshoff notes that self-examination should be done once a month, especially if you have a family history.

Skin cancer

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, especially in sunny South Africa, with less than a third of melanomas first detected by doctors. If you notice any irregularly shaped mole, a change in colour in moles or pigmented skin lesions, it is best you get it checked out by a doctor sooner than later.

Colon cancer

Colon cancer is considered the most common type of gastrointestinal cancer, but is a treatable and preventable disease. Early detection through widely applied screening programmes is the most important factor in the recent decline of colorectal cancer in developed countries. Studies suggest that when it comes to colon cancer screening, an annual stool test may be as effective as a colonoscopy for people who don’t have risk factors for the disease.

But, why are men so ‘doctor averse’?

So why won’t dad go to the doc? A recent survey of men by Cleveland Clinic found that 65% of respondents say they avoid going to the doctor as long as possible. Psychiatrist, Dr Ian Westmore, says many men are culturally conditioned to take up the traditional ‘masculine’ role, including being seen to be ‘emotionally stable and strong’. He notes that the process of seeking medical attention implies vulnerability and this is problematically seen to be in direct contrast to the above.

Dr Westmore notes that the key to cutting through the ‘superhero syndrome’ often affiliated with men’s reluctance to go to the doctor is to provide them with facts as men are typically fact and solution orientated. It is helpful to focus on the ‘greater good’ that they will be serving for their families in receiving appropriate treatment should they be diagnosed, as well as the example they are setting for their children.