Irish men take far too many risks with their health and do not go to the doctor on time or get treatment until it is too late, a report is expected to reveal today.

The first all-Ireland male survey is thought to be the most comprehensive review of men’s health undertaken here.

The stark warnings it will carry are backed by the facts that on average men die six years earlier than women and that they are four times more likely to commit suicide than women.

The Men’s Health Forum in Ireland, a voluntary network of groups both north and south of the border, is expected to recommend a specific advisory group be set up to focus on men’s health.

Forum chairman Noel Richardson said that being a man can be dangerous for your health.

“There are clear gender differences,” he said.

“Young women are much more likely to develop self-care techniques early on but men don’t have the same kind of support networks and are much less likely to go and talk to a friend.”

The average man in Ireland lives until 73, two years younger than in the UK.

Men’s Health in Ireland is being published later today.