Men’s Health Month: Why Preventive Screenings Can Save Your Life

Former President Joe Biden’s announcement that he was recently diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer (after having skipped prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing for over 10 years) has thrown men’s health and preventive screening into the limelight.

Just in time for June, Men’s Health Month.

And for good reason. The sobering fact is that, on average, men die nearly five years earlier than women. 

But not from prostate cancer. The leading cause of death among men is heart disease.  In fact, one out of every four men will die from a cardiovascular condition. This is especially tragic since 80 percent of heart disease is preventable. 

Men’s Health Month represents an opportunity to focus on the unique health challenges men face - and encourage better habits for long-term wellness. And it all starts with a simple decision — do not skip your check-up.

The Problem with Avoidance

Despite the importance of preventive care, studies show that men are 33 percent less likely than women to seek medical care and 24 percent less likely to see a primary care provider for routine checkups. This means many men are missing key opportunities to catch issues early, whether it’s high cholesterol, rising blood pressure, or signs of colon, lung or testicular cancer.

Even prostate cancer, the second leading cancer-related cause of death in men, is highly treatable if found early. Yet too many men delay or avoid screening.

Avoiding the doctor might feel easier in the short term, but it can lead to long-term health consequences. I’ve seen countless male patients who show up only when something feels seriously wrong. By then, conditions like coronary artery disease or advanced hypertension may have already caused permanent damage, impacting quality of life for the long haul.

Early Detection Saves Lives

Regular health visits do far more than check boxes on a chart. They provide critical opportunities to catch serious health issues before they become life-threatening. From blood pressure and cholesterol checks to blood sugar monitoring, cancer screenings (including for prostate cancer), and mental health assessments, these routine evaluations can uncover silent threats you might not even feel.

Prostate cancer, for example, often has no symptoms in its early stages, but is highly treatable when caught early. The same goes for heart disease and diabetes, which can quietly progress until a major event like a heart attack or stroke occurs. An in-person visit gives your doctor the chance to evaluate your risk, track changes over time, and intervene before problems escalate.

Seeing your doctor regularly also allows for open conversations about your overall well-being. Whether it's discussing changes in energy, sleep, or stress levels, these touch points are essential for building a long and healthy life.

Conquer the Fear of Bad News

Worried about hearing something you don’t want to hear? You’re not alone. But avoiding the issue will not make it go away. The earlier a condition is caught, the more options you have for treatment and lifestyle changes. In fact, simple lifestyle shifts, like improving your diet even a little and getting active even a little, can significantly delay or prevent chronic disease.

I’ve had patients discover they were on the brink of something serious, then make small, ongoing and consistent lifestyle changes that reversed their trajectory entirely. Yes, sometimes medications were needed. But that’s why they’re there.

 

A Message to Men and the Women Who Love Them

Men, your health is your responsibility, but you don’t have to manage it alone. Make an appointment, ask questions, and take an active role in your well-being, and especially around heart health.

Not sure what to ask your doctor? Start with:

• “Now that we have my baseline cholesterol and blood sugar readings, what should they be ideally? What lifestyle changes would help me get there?”
  

• “If I need to make changes, what should they be and when should we check my labs again?”

If your doctor isn’t focused on nutrition, ask for a referral to a registered dietitian. Or explore food-based interventions like Step One Foods to support your goals.

And to the women reading this: you can be a powerful advocate. Share this blog. Remind the men in your life to make that appointment. Sometimes a little nudge makes all the difference.

Don’t Wait

This Men’s Health Month, let’s break the cycle of avoidance. Don’t wait until something feels wrong. Don’t become yet  another heart disease statistic! Preventive care gives you the chance to live longer, feel better, and be there for the people who count on you.

 

More on Men’s Health

Men’s Health Month: How to keep your heart healthy in your 20s and 30s

Men’s Health Month: How to keep your heart healthy in midlife

Men’s Health Month: How to keep your heart healthy in your 60s and beyond

VIDEO: Dr. Klodas’ Discusses Men’s Health Month