Many men do not attend their doctor for check-ups because they are afraid of being told something is wrong with them, according to the preliminary findings of new research.
The research was carried out among 500 men across the State who were asked in discussion groups about their health and why they didn't pay more attention to it.
They said the medical profession needed to provide more time and space for men who wished to talk about personal issues, particularly mental health.
They said society needed to look at how men were portrayed and that the the stereotypical perception of men contributed to many finding it difficult to discuss emotional issues.
Many admitted they did not want to go for a check-up as they were afraid of "the truth".
The research, carried out by the Department of Health and published to mark Men's Health Week, will feed into the development of the State's first men's health strategy, to be published next year.
Minister of State for Health Seán Power said the majority of men neglected their health. They needed to be encouraged to take more responsibility for it, in the way women do, he said.
They must look at their mental health, in particular, as the pace of life, especially in the workplace, had increased so much.
"I think there is an onus on employers to work with their staff to find ways of reducing the levels of stress in the workplace," Mr Power said. "The benefits in terms of productivity are enormous. "We are asking men to be more aware of their health, to take responsibility for their health and to seek regular check-ups with their doctor."