5 men's health issues: How to take charge of your health

3-minute read

Men often lag behind women when it comes to taking care of their health, frequently putting off visiting a healthcare provider until something serious happens. But just like women, most men's health issues can be prevented and more easily treated by adopting healthy lifestyle habits and scheduling regular checkups and routine screening tests.

Why men are at higher risk for health issues

Compared to women, American men experience more health problems and live shorter lives. Factors that contribute to this include:

• Unhealthy or risky behavior, such as violence or unsafe sex
• Smoking, drinking, and other substance abuse
• Lack of regular checkups and medical care

Social factors such as work stress and limited social networks and support also play a role in the prevalence of men's health issues.

Common health conditions in men

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the top two leading causes of death for men are heart disease and cancer.

1. Heart disease

About 1 in 13 white men, 1 in 14 black men, and 1 in 17 Hispanic men have heart disease. And about 50% of men who die suddenly of heart disease reported no previous symptoms.

There are things you can do to reduce your risk for heart disease and avoid becoming one of those statistics:

• Eat a healthy diet
• Don't smoke
• Get regular exercise
• Check your blood pressure regularly
  
• Limit your alcohol intake
• Lower your stress level
• Schedule a heart scan

Having a family history of heart disease also makes you more likely to develop the condition. Talk to your healthcare provider if anyone in your family has a heart condition.

2. Cancer

Cancers that most often affect men include prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and skin cancer. Knowing about these cancers and the screenings that help spot them can save your life.

To reduce your cancer risk:

• Don't smoke
• Eat a healthy diet
• Get regular physical activity
• Know your family history
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Protect your skin
• Schedule regular checkups and screening tests

Speak to your healthcare provider about cancer screening tests. Screening tests can help detect cancer early when it may be easier to treat. For example, men at average risk of colon cancer should get a colonoscopy at age 45, or sooner if they have a family history or other health risks. Colonoscopies can detect colorectal cancer early or prevent it by removing suspicious polyps before they become cancerous.

Health issues unique to men

Though heart disease and cancer affect both men and women about equally, some health conditions only affect men, including:

3. Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in American men other than skin cancers. Risk factors for prostate cancer include being over the age of 65 and having one or more close relatives with prostate cancer.

The American Cancer Society recommends men speak with their healthcare provider about getting a screening test for prostate cancer after learning about the risks and benefits of screening.

Discuss screening with your healthcare provider if you are:

• Age 50 at average risk and expected to live at least 10 more years
• Age 45 at high risk, for example, you have a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer younger than age 65
• Age 40 at higher risk, meaning you have more than one first-degree relative who was diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age

Prostate cancer is a serious disease, but most men don't die from it. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 3.1 million American men diagnosed with prostate cancer are still living today.

4. Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) occurs when a man has trouble getting or maintaining an erection. It's normal for ED to occur occasionally during times of stress, and most men will experience it at least once in their lives, no matter their age. However, frequent ED could be a sign of a serious health issue like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure and should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

5. Low testosterone levels

Testosterone levels peak by early adulthood and drop beginning when men are in their 40s. Signs and symptoms of low testosterone may occur when men reach their 50s and include impotence or changes in sexual desire, depression and anxiety, and decreased energy. Women may also experience low testosterone. Declining levels of testosterone are a normal part of aging.

For resources and tools to help support a healthy lifestyle, join the Reid Healthier Wellness Club, where you can connect with other wellness-minded people in your community to reach your health and wellness goals.