Debut of “Man Up!” Book by SKH Urologist Challenges Health Barriers Among Men

, /PRNewswire/ — Taking a step to shift mindsets and spark lasting change in how men approach their health, Sengkang General Hospital (SKH) held a Men’s Health Public Forum themed “Be There, For the People Who Matter” at Suntec Convention Centre today.

Bringing together close to 300 registered participants from all walks of life, this event reflected the hospital’s deepening focus on preventive healthcare, early intervention, and empowering men with the tools to make informed health decisions.

Last year, SKH surveyed over 200 men among 650 residents at their Community Health Fair event. Results show that 94% of the men value healthy eating, yet just 11% engaging in daily physical activity; almost half of the men exercise only 1–2 times a week — insufficient to offset rising metabolic and muscle health issues. These findings highlight preventable risks and lifestyle gaps that SKH seeks to close through sustained outreach and education, starting with initiatives like the Men’s Health Forum. This forum aims to flip that narrative by creating an open, stigma-free space where men could take charge of their health, ask questions, and make informed decisions early.

A Growing Health Crisis Among Men in Singapore

The rising prevalence of sarcopenia, colorectal cancer, obesity, fatty liver disease, sleep apnoea, and mental health conditions extends nationwide, with recent national health studies underscoring the urgency.

• Sarcopenia: Affects 1 in 3 adults over 60 and 63% of sarcopenic patients in SKH are men.
• Colorectal Cancer: Colorectal cancer incidence in men aged 20–49 has been rising 1.5% annually, making it the most common cancer among Singaporean men.^[1,2,3]
• Obesity: Obesity in men rose from 11.9% in 2019–2020 to 13.1% in 2021–2022, higher than in women. Nearly 40% of adults fall into unhealthy BMI ranges, increasing risks for fatty liver, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and even colorectal cancer.^[4]
• Fatty Liver: Fatty liver affects up to 40% of Singaporean adults, often linked to sedentary lifestyles and poor metabolic health.