Men’s Health Month raises awareness about the health issues that affect men and the importance of early care. According to the CDC, men are more likely than women to die from major long-term diseases, but they are less likely to visit a health care provider for routine checkups. This can lead to health problems being diagnosed later, when they may be harder to treat.
Knowing the most common health risks can help men take steps to stay healthy. Below are some of the major health concerns affecting men.
Heart disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States. Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes and lack of physical activity. Heavy alcohol use can also increase blood pressure and raise the risk of heart disease over time.
Many of these risks can be lowered through regular exercise, healthy eating, avoiding tobacco and routine physicals to check blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men. Risk increases with age, especially after age 50. Family history and race also play a role, with higher rates among Black men.
Early prostate cancer may not cause symptoms, which is why screening discussions are important. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Trouble urinating
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Pain in the hips, back or chest if the cancer has spread
There is no single standard screening test for prostate cancer. Men should talk with a doctor about the possible benefits and risks of screening tests, including the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, to decide what is right for them.
Lung cancer
Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death among men. Smoking is the biggest risk factor, but people who do not smoke can also develop lung cancer. Other risks include secondhand smoke, radon gas and exposure to harmful substances at work.
Early lung cancer often does not cause symptoms, but warning signs may include:
- Persistent coughing
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Unexplained weight loss
People at higher risk, especially long-term smokers, may benefit from lung cancer screening using a low-dose CT scan. Screening can help detect the disease earlier, when treatment may be more effective. Quitting smoking and avoiding tobacco smoke are the best ways to lower risk.
Colorectal cancer
Colorectal cancer affects both men and women, but men have a slightly higher risk. Risk increases with age, especially after age 45. Other risk factors include poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity, smoking and heavy alcohol use.
Colorectal cancer doesn’t often show early symptoms, but warning signs may include:
- Changes in bowel habits
- Blood in the stool
- Stomach pain or cramps that do not go away
- Unexplained weight loss
Regular screening can help detect colorectal cancer early, when it is easier to treat. The CDC recommends several screening options, including stool-based tests and visual exams such as colonoscopy, which can help identify cancer or precancerous growths.
When found early, colorectal cancer is often highly treatable. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation based on the stage of the cancer.
When to contact a health care provider
Men should contact a health care provider if they notice new or lasting symptoms such as:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained weight loss
- Changes in bowel habits
- Ongoing fatigue
Regular checkups are also important, even when feeling well, especially for people with risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure or a family history of disease. Early conversations with a provider can help identify health concerns sooner and improve long-term health.
