A 2021 report by “Frontiers in Psychiatry” showed that suicide rates of males in Malaysia increased significantly between 2014 and 2019. The figures indicated an average of 5.8 per 100,000 population – which is estimated to be 1,841 suicide deaths annually, with five deaths per day.
These numbers are nothing short of alarming and should be taken seriously. Sadly, a majority of men find it difficult to open up about their struggles relating to physical and mental health. This can lead to illnesses or diseases being left undiagnosed and untreated.
Dr Celine Chan Tze Lin, consultant psychiatrist at a healthcare centre in Kuala Lumpur, shares that men who are unable to speak openly about their emotions may find it challenging to recognise mental health symptoms.
They are, therefore, less likely to reach out for support, and it might take a close friend or family member to notice these signs.
“Some indicators include feelings of sadness, anxiety, worry, irritability, sleep problems, loss of interest in hobbies, and inability to enjoy things that were once pleasurable for them,” she said. “These feelings may get very intense, last for a long period of time, and begin to interfere with work and relationships.”
Celine emphasises the importance of having a strong support system for men, which could lead to better coping skills and reduced depression, anxiety and stress.
“Without a support system, men may be more likely to turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms [such as substance abuse], and be even less likely to talk to close ones about their mental health.”
Silent killers
Aside from mental health, conducting self-checks and seeking treatment for diseases such as cancer can produce a better outcome. Consultant urologist Selvalingam Sothilingam shares that silent killers such as prostate and testicular cancer can be cured if detected early.
“Prostate cancer can be confused with benign prostate hyperplasia, which affects ageing men and is far more common than cancer.
“Testicular cancer, on the other hand, may begin as a small lump in the testis and is more easily detected, but can be missed unless you perform regular self-examinations.”
Both cancers can exist without any symptoms, but those with a family history of prostate or breast cancer, men above age 50, and/or those with lower urinary tract problems should screen for cancer through the prostate specific antigen tumour marker test.
“Treatment of early prostate cancer is now safe and less complicated – the evolution of robotic assisted surgery and technological advancements in radiotherapy often give good results with reduced side effects,” Selvalingam added.
“As for testicular cancer, the mainstay treatment is surgery to remove the testis, but men will still have the contralateral testis that will continue to produce the male hormone.”
The option of sperm banking prior to surgery is available for those who have yet to reproduce or wish to complete their family.
Help is available
While it is always difficult to receive a cancer diagnosis, Selvalingam points out that counselling is available to help them process.
“NGOs such as the Prostate Cancer Society Malaysia (PCSM) consist of cancer survivors and can provide new patients with advice and encouragement,” he said.
PCSM also conducts support groups at various hospitals to help those who have been newly diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Celine added that hospitals further provide mental health support in the form of psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and counsellors who can help patients on their journey to recovery.
“Psychosocial support from the patient’s loved ones, peers, and healthcare team – alongside regular health checkups and good habits such as exercise – has shown to drastically reduce mental health problems,” she said.