Heart disease, lung cancer & suicide serious issues affecting men- Dr Carpen

Cardiologist Dr Mahendra Carpen has issued a stern warning that men are dying years earlier than women because of four major causes: heart disease, lung cancer, accidents and suicide, combined with a deep-rooted culture of not seeking help.

Speaking Wednesday at the Men’s Wellness Symposium at Herdmanston Lodge for International Men’s Day, Dr. Carpen said men in the Caribbean and globally live three to four years shorter than women and face over twice the risk of premature death.

“Generally, men take the higher-risk jobs but the real danger is that men don’t go to the doctor and don’t say when they’re sick,” Dr Carpen revealed.

In fact, he explained that men aged 25 to 64, often avoid routine checkups and wait until severe symptoms force them to act.

“We often wait until we have severe symptoms… until your chest starts to hurt, then you go to see a cardiologist,” Dr Carpen said.

Stigma makes it worse. “If a group of men is gyaffing and someone says, ‘I have to get myself checked,’ even innocent jokes can push them away from lifesaving action,” Dr. Carpen warned.

He broke down men’s health into three pillars: physical, social, and mental well-being stressing the need for a more comprehensive approach once men do open up.

Cardiovascular disease remains the number one cause of death and disability.

“It affects everywhere blood flows from strokes in the brain, to blockages and heart failure in the heart,” Dr Carpen said.

He also urged men to prioritise prostate and testicular screenings, calling them essential components of long-term health.

On mental health, Dr Carpen said stress is unavoidable, but how men cope determines whether it becomes dangerous.

“You can’t escape stress… once you’re alive, you will have stress.

“We have to destigmatise seeking help. Mental health is just another health condition that needs treatment,” he said.

Dr Carpen emphasised that improving men’s longevity requires breaking the silence, removing stigma, and normalising regular checkups.