The minister stated that men are more frequently affected by cardiovascular diseases than women and more often develop cancer.
International Men’s Day on November 3rd – Focus on Health
Men’s life expectancy is often lower than women’s. In Bavaria, it is on average 4.4 years less than that of women. “However, men can do a lot for their own health and a longer life through more preventive care, early detection, and a healthy lifestyle,” said Gerlach.
Health insurance companies cover the costs for important screenings. Recommendations include, among others, annual prostate exams from age 45 and a one-time screening for an abdominal aortic aneurysm – which is more commonly affected by blood clots in old age – from age 65.
According to information from the Barmer health insurance fund, men utilize preventive services significantly less often than women. While around three-quarters of men are aware of the relevant check-ups, less than half actually use them. Participation rates for the “Check-up 35,” available every three years, are around 44 percent for men, compared to about 50 percent for women.
Men are also more hesitant regarding bowel cancer screening, even though health insurers cover the costs: from age 50, insured individuals can get an annual stool test or a colonoscopy every ten years.
Traditional Gender Roles Hinder Health and Prevention
Health insurers are well aware of this reluctance to use preventive services. The AOK, for instance, explains this with traditional gender roles. “Strength, power, competition, independence, daring, and bravery – these so-called male stereotypes can lead to men being less caring towards themselves,” the health fund writes in a statement.
Many are reluctant to talk about illnesses or psychological stress. Accordingly, the traditional male role is seen as encouraging a greater willingness to take risks.
Preventive Check-ups: What Health Insurance Covers
According to the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) and Barmer, men are entitled to a range of free early detection screenings:
Check-up for early detection of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases: once between ages 18 and 34, then every three years.
Skin cancer screening: from age 35, every two years.
Prostate cancer early detection: from age 45, annually.
Bowel cancer early detection: from age 50 – either a stool test or a colonoscopy.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening: once from age 65.
Minister Refers to Prevention Plan
Gerlach emphasized that greater health awareness and prevention are central goals of the “Master Plan for Prevention in Bavaria,” which she presented in October. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and moderate alcohol consumption are crucial.
“We want to support people in the Free State of Bavaria as best as possible in maintaining a healthy lifestyle,” the minister stated, according to dpa.
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