TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2: Men need to develop their own wellness plans, according to the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre’s education officer Rhonda Smith-Simmons.

She was speaking today at the Hamilton Rotary Club on men’s health and as part of the Centre’s “Movember” moustache-growing drive to publicise the issue.

Ms Smith-Simmons said: “Why don’t more men go their doctor for a physical exam? Because they think they should go only when they’re sick; because they don’t like to wait, and they consider illness a sign of weakness.

“They have difficulty discussing embarrassing problems, and they fear hearing negative results.

“I’m happy to say I honestly think the tide is changing. Men are becoming more concerned and going to the doctor more regularly. But we still have work to do, and that’s why I’m here today. Early detection does indeed save lives.”

According to the Bermuda Health Council’s report for 2008, male life expectancy in Bermuda is 76.7 years.

Our main causes of death? According to Ms. Smith-Simmons: “Circulatory disease is the leading cause of death for males in Bermuda, with cancer a strong second and then external causes third — things like road traffic accidents and an increasing number of homicides.”

Noting that November is also Diabetes Month, she urged men to take charge of their health and change their lifestyles.

Calling diabetes “almost epidemic in Bermuda”, Ms. Smith-Simmons said better diets could help.

“Speak to your doctor to identify any existing health issues and get a realistic wellness plan. That may include getting some kind of exercise regime, seeing a dietician, and getting the recommended screenings for men.

“Because there is such a high incidence of prostate cancer, we recommend that men beginning at age 40 should get screened.”

She also recommended bone density tests for older men, vision and hearing checks “before you experience problems”, and skin exams.

“Get up-close and very personal with all your moles and blemishes. Skin cancer is the most common worldwide, and is on the rise. Any of you who grew up in Bermuda years ago will admit that today’s sun is a lot hotter.”

For more on this and other stories on men’s health see tomorrow’s Royal Gazette