A guide to preventive care for adult men

June is Men’s Health Month—a time to raise awareness about the unique health challenges men face and to encourage regular checkups, open conversations, and proactive care.

Statistically, men are less likely than women to seek preventive care or talk openly about their physical and mental health. Unfortunately, this hesitation can lead to delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes. In fact, the average life expectancy for men in the U.S. is nearly five years shorter than women, and more than 13% of adult men report being in fair or poor health.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Prioritizing health—through preventive screenings, regular doctor visits, and honest discussions about mental and physical well-being—is not a sign of weakness. It’s a step toward living a longer, healthier life.

Health screenings every man should know

Here are a few essential preventive screenings and health checkups men should regularly discuss with their doctor:

• Blood pressure screening
  • Have your blood pressure checked at least every two years, regardless of age. High blood pressure often has no symptoms but significantly increases your risk for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Early detection and treatment can reduce these risks dramatically.
• Cholesterol test
  • Cholesterol screenings help assess your risk for cardiovascular disease. How often you need to be tested depends on your age, lifestyle, and family history. Your provider can help you determine the best schedule based on your personal risk factors.
• Diabetes screening
  • Undiagnosed or uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious complications, including kidney damage, vision loss, nerve damage, and heart disease. A fasting blood glucose test or A1C test can help detect problems early. Talk with your provider about how often you should be screened based on your health history and risk level.
• Colon cancer screening
  • The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that adults aged 45 to 75 get screened for colorectal cancer every 5 to 10 years, depending on the type of test. A colonoscopy can detect and remove precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer.
• Prostate cancer screening
  • About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Common screening methods include the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal exam, typically starting around age 40–50. Your doctor will help determine when and how often you should begin screening based on your personal and family history.

Common health conditions that impact men

Men are at higher risk for several serious health conditions—many of which can be prevented or better managed with regular care, healthy habits, and early detection. Here are a few to be aware of:

• Heart disease
  • The leading cause of death for men in the U.S., heart disease is often linked to high blood pressure, smoking, excessive alcohol use, poor diet, and diabetes. Regular screenings and lifestyle changes can dramatically reduce your risk.
• Lung cancer
  • Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in men—and the leading cause of cancer-related death. Smoking is the number one risk factor, responsible for approximately 90% of all lung cancer cases in the U.S.
• Liver cirrhosis
  • Men are nearly twice as likely as women to die from liver cirrhosis, which is often caused by chronic hepatitis B or excessive alcohol use. Regular liver function tests and limiting alcohol intake can help reduce your risk.
• Parkinson's Disease
  • Parkinson’s disease affects about 50% more men than women. While the exact cause is still unknown, risk factors may include genetics, hormone levels, and environmental exposures.
• ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)
  • Commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS is a progressive neurological disorder that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The majority of people diagnosed with ALS in the U.S. are men.
• Skin cancer
  • After age 50, men are more than twice as likely as women to develop and die from skin cancer. Melanoma, the most dangerous form, is particularly common. Wearing sunscreen and scheduling regular skin checks is essential for prevention.
• Stroke
  • Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death among men—and the leading cause of long-term disability. Controlling blood pressure, managing diabetes, and recognizing early warning signs can help reduce stroke risk.

Take charge of your health—one conversation at a time

Men’s Health Month is the perfect reminder that taking care of your health starts with a simple step: talking to your doctor. Whether it’s time for a routine checkup or you have questions about screenings, symptoms, or family history, your provider is your partner in long-term wellness.

Preventive care isn’t just about avoiding illness—it’s about living fully and confidently, knowing you’re doing everything you can to protect your health for yourself and those who love you.

If you haven’t had a wellness visit in the past year, now is the time to schedule one.

Talk with your doctor

Preventive care is unique to each person, depending on current health and risk factors. Don't have a primary care physician? Establish with a Saint Agnes Care provider and take control of your health now.

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