In a recent study, evidence supported the fact that men are more likely to receive CPR in the event of public collapse than females.  This issue is a tough one to track, but the evidence is accurate.  The article states, “The research, funded by the American Heart Association and the National Institutes of Health, found that only 39% of women who have a cardiac arrest in a public place were given CPR, versus 45% of men. Men were 23% more likely to survive…” (Schopen, The Guardian).  This study shows the facts, but why is the based on gender?  Benjamin Abella, one of the study leaders, believes it may be the result of a lack of familiarity in providing CPR for females, as well as a sexual discomfort with the removal of clothing or touching the torso region when attempting CPR (Schopen, The Guardian).

She goes on to state that “Today, while female GPs outnumber male ones (52% to 48%), 55% of registered medical practitioners are male. And the majority of specialists – 66% – are men” (Schopen, The Guardian).  This data is accurate for the time being, however, I believe within the next decade, these results will be flipped, as more and more women are getting through medical schools each year.  We now see that there is evidence of a gender bias when it comes to life-saving maneuvers such as CPR, as well as in practitioners of the medical field (Schopen, The Guardian).

But what does that have to do with diseases being biased amongst sexes?  Regardless of sex, disease can strike anyone.  Yes, men and women are biologically susceptible to different diseases, for we are each made different.  However, the commonality of disease in males vs. females comes down to more of a social difference.  Men and women are very different in the aspect of concern for personal health.  Men tend to be more reckless, and do not care as much about personal safety when it comes to adventure and adrenaline.  Women, on the other hand, are much more reserved, and are not as likely to react out of impulse in dangerous situations to impress their friends, or to show dominance.

As men and women grow up and mature, not many things change.  Men still tend to act tougher than they should, which in many cases keeps them from going to the doctor if they feel something is wrong.  Women typically want to fix an issue when they feel as though one is present, which leads to diagnosis.  If men are not willing to see a doctor, they are not susceptible to diagnosis, meaning they “do not have the disease.”  Disease is similar to crime; you are innocent until proven guilty.  Similarly, you are healthy until proven ill. Therefore, I do not believe disease discriminates simply because it shows up more in females.  The fact that it shows up more in females is what makes the life expectancy longer for them, as you cannot treat an undiagnosed illness.