Eithne Donnellan,
Health Correspondent
Men in Ireland continue to die, on average, six years younger than women and have higher death rates at all ages and for all leading causes of death, according to a report due to be published next week.
The report, entitled Men's Health in Ireland and complied by the national Men's Health Forum, points out that, while men's health is suffering more than that of women, there is little evidence of this being reflected in the planning of healthcare and how it is delivered.
To illustrate the state of men's health the report draws together data on the numbers, North and South, killed in road traffic accidents, dying by suicide and dying from cancers and other illnesses.
It says that, although research is limited in Ireland, it is well documented internationally that, compared to women, men have limited contact with GPs, are reluctant to attend doctors and often present late in the course of an illness.
As a result, while men and women have similar risks of developing cancer, men are more likely to die from it.
"Although social and economic roles of men and women are changing, traditional mores and attitudes towards gender remain prevalent. Boys and young men continue to be socialised to appear in control, to be strong and to take risks, thus reinforcing their exposure to illness and accidental deaths," it says.
The report calls for more resources to be put into health promotion initiatives that target men and for a national policy for men's health. Further research into men's health is also advocated.