Written by: Rebecca Webb, PharmD Pharmacy Clinical Services Manager

Men’s Health Month is officially observed in June, along with Men’s Health Week which takes place from June 10th through June 16th of this year.  This is the perfect time to focus on some of the most common health issues affecting men today.  This month is also an opportunity to emphasize ways men can stay healthy and maintain wellness.  Lastly, it is important to mention and hopefully dispel several misconceptions that frequently occur among men when it comes to their health.  

 

Health Issues Affecting Men Today

Men’s health today involves issues that are unique to men as well as issues that affect everyone. 

 

Heart disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States.  A major risk factor for heart disease is high blood pressure, which has no symptoms.  Over 50% of men 18 years of age and older have high blood pressure.  High cholesterol and smoking are also risk factors for heart disease.  Other contributing factors can include diabetes, obesity, lack of exercise, unhealthy eating, and consuming excessive alcohol.  

 

Cancer 

Men have higher rates of getting cancer than women.  Cancer is also a leading cause of death in men.  The most common types of cancer in men include prostate, lung, skin, and colorectal (colon) cancer. 

Prostate cancer – Around one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.  It is the most common cancer affecting men.  All men are at risk for prostate cancer with the most common risk factor being age.  This type of cancer is slow growing and fortunately, does not cause many cancer deaths.  Prostate cancer screenings include a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test and a digital rectal examination (DRE).  

Lung cancer – Lung cancer causes more death in men than any other type of cancer.  The primary cause of this type of cancer is cigarette smoking.  Lung cancer screening is called low-dose computed tomography (i.e., low-dose CT scan or LDCT) and is recommended for individuals at high risk who meet certain criteria.  

Skin cancer – Men have higher rates of skin cancer than women and oftentimes experience worse outcomes after a skin cancer diagnosis.  Protection against the sun’s damaging rays can reduce the risk of this type of cancer.  However, men are much less likely to use sun protection products (e.g., sunscreen) than women.  Skin self-exams and skin cancer screenings are ways to find early signs of skin cancer when it is highly treatable.  

Colorectal (colon) cancer – In general, there is less colon cancer diagnosed than in previous years, however, it has increasingly been on the rise in the younger than 50 population.  This type of cancer in the colon or rectum almost always develops from precancerous abnormal growths called polys.  Screening for colorectal cancer is very important and often includes the standard colonoscopy.  

 

Mental Health 

Mental health is important for everyone.  It entails psychological, emotional, and social well-being.  Mental health issues are common in the U.S., both in women and men.  These can include depression, anxiety, mood disorders, substance use disorder, and other mental health illnesses.  Yet, men may experience different symptoms than women for the same mental health issues.  Men are also less likely to talk about how they feel and to seek treatment.   

 

How Men Can Stay Physically and Mentally Healthy

General tips for staying healthy:

• Strive to maintain a moderate weight. 

• Exercise regularly. 

• Focus on eating a healthy, balanced diet.

• Get plenty of rest and sleep.

• Avoid alcohol or limit the consumption of alcohol. 

• Do not smoke or use tobacco.  Steer clear of secondhand smoke. 

• Use sun protection.  Wear sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, pants, and long-sleeves out in the sun, when possible. 

• Schedule your routine checkup with your primary care provider.   

• Ask your healthcare provider about appropriate health screenings and tests.  

• Stay up to date on your vaccines.

• Find healthy and safe ways to manage stress. 

• Seek mental health support.  Know that help is available, and it is normal to seek treatment.  

 

Dispelling Men’s Health Misconceptions

Historically, it has been a common misconception among many men that if you appear healthy, there is no need to go to a healthcare provider.  Another misperception has been that having health issues indicates weakness.  In some men, health has simply not been a main priority in their lives.  It is very important to understand that these are inaccurate, and they should in fact be dispelled.  Many men have avoided healthcare providers and hospitals only to end up suffering from preventable heath conditions.  Seeing a healthcare provider for routine checkups and screenings is absolutely necessary to uncover any underlying health issues before they become significant concerns.  Doing so displays a great deal of strength and courage.  It also shows respect and regard for the family and friends who depend upon you.  If you have not had a check-up in a while, take charge of your health and schedule an appointment with your primary care provider as soon as possible.      

 

References:

_{1. Cancer and Men. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.  https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/resources/features/cancerandmen/index.htm. Accessed May 13, 2024.} 

_{2. Men and Mental Health. National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) website. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/men-and-mental-health. Accessed May 13, 2024.}