Men’s Health: A Burning Platform for Awareness, Prevention, and Action

As we focus on Men’s Health this June, men and their families are urged to take a more proactive approach to wellness—pointing to persistent gaps in prevention, screening, and healthcare which continues to impact men’s lives.

A Persistent Health Gap

Despite medical advances, the latest men's health research in the U.S. points to men facing shorter life expectancies, higher rates of chronic disease, and greater risk of premature death compared to women. Experts say many of these outcomes are preventable with earlier intervention and healthier lifestyle choices.

Heart disease, cancer, and unintentional injuries remain the leading causes of death among men, accounting for a significant portion of mortality each year.

Even more alarming? More than half of male deaths occur before age 75, highlighting the prevalence of premature mortality.

Mental health is also a growing concern — with men four times more likely than women to die by suicide. Many men also struggle with depression, anxiety, and substance use — often without seeking help.

Risks of Avoiding Care

One of the most significant barriers for men to proactively seek better outcomes is a reluctance to obtain routine healthcare. Studies show men are less likely than women to schedule healthcare visits, with many delaying treatment even after symptoms. A majority of men also miss recommended preventive screenings, and some report discomfort or stigma around discussing health concerns — especially mental health.

This delay often leads to late-stage diagnoses of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer — when treatment is more complex and less effective. It’s why clinical intervention is key to health maintenance and avoiding advanced diagnoses.

Power in Prevention

Many of the most serious health threats for men are preventable. Keeping up with routine screenings and annual wellness exams can help catch conditions early, when they are most treatable.

Recommended health screenings for men include:

• Blood pressure checks to detect hypertension, a condition affecting roughly half of adult men
• Cholesterol and diabetes testing to assess heart and vascular risk
• Cancer screenings, including prostate cancer, which affects about 1 in 8 men during their lifetime
• Mental health evaluations

Regular screenings, combined with healthy lifestyle changes — such as exercise, nutrition, reduced alcohol use, and smoking cessation — can significantly reduce the risk of chronic disease.

Lifestyle Factors Play a Major Role

Beyond clinical care, lifestyle choices remain a key contributor to men’s health outcomes. Only about 28% of men in the U.S. meet recommended physical activity guidelines, and nearly 40% are classified as obese. Behaviors such as smoking, excessive alcohol use, and poor diet continue to drive higher rates of cardiovascular disease and cancer among men.

Small, consistent changes — such as increasing physical activity and improving diet — can have a positive long-term impact.

Why Men Should Take Action Toward Better Health

Taking care of your health is a sign of strength and responsibility. This Men’s Health Month, we’re breaking down stigma and encouraging men to take ownership of their health — not just for themselves, but for their families and communities.

Men can start by establishing a relationship with an Elliot Primary Care doctor and staying up to date with health and wellness screenings and talking openly about physical and mental health concerns.

Get started on your self-care journey to better health and find the right doctor for you by calling Elliot Doctor Match anytime Monday–Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 603.665.0826.