Men’s Health Month: The Importance of Preventive Care

When it comes to health, many men feel an unspoken pressure to power through symptoms rather than speak up. Too often, routine checkups get postponed, health concerns get brushed off, and conversations about mental health are avoided altogether. While this tendency may seem harmless in the moment, it can contribute to what experts call the “men’s health gap,” or the reality that men experience higher rates of chronic conditions and shorter life expectancies than women.

This article will explore common men’s health problems, the reasons behind their increased risk for certain conditions, and the importance of preventive care and self-checks.

Note: While this blog offers general guidance about men’s health, it does not replace advice from a medical professional. Please consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations and before starting any new treatment.

Explaining the men’s health gap

The “men’s health gap” refers to a pattern in which men are more likely to face serious health challenges and, on average, live shorter lives than women. This phenomenon is seen across the globe in all male demographics—in no country do men have a higher average life expectancy than women.¹

Despite technological advancements in the medical field and better overall access to care, men in the U.S. live an average of about six years less than women.² This gap reflects a complex mix of biological, social, cultural, and environmental factors that influence how men engage with their health and well-being.

Why are men at higher risk of certain conditions?

The truth is that there is no single factor causing men to face a higher risk for a range of serious health conditions. Rather, a combination of biological, behavioral, and other factors is at play.

According to research, these can include:

• Greater overall levels of occupational exposure to physical and chemical hazards and risk-taking behaviors. For example, in Europe, men experience 95% of fatal accidents and 76% of non-fatal accidents in the workplace. And in the U.S., far more men than women work in occupations with the highest risk of fatal occupational injury, including mining, fishing, and agriculture.³
• Men’s tendency to delay doctor’s visits or report symptoms when they’re ill. Many men underutilize resources like preventive screenings, routine checkups at the doctor’s office, and early conversations about symptoms that they’re experiencing, leading to later diagnoses and more advanced diseases.³
• Higher likelihood of developing serious conditions at younger ages. This is partly because of the differences between men’s and women’s hormones, as some experts believe higher testosterone levels are related to worse heart health. But just as significant are lifestyle patterns. For instance, men are more likely than women to smoke and drink excessively, and some studies have indicated 60-80% of heart-related problems could have been prevented by limiting alcohol and cigarettes.²

Which health conditions affect men more than women?

Understanding which conditions are more common in men than women can help encourage healthier habits and more proactive conversations about long-term wellness. While there are several conditions that typically impact men’s health more than women, the following are some of the most common:

• Heart disease: Although this is a leading cause of death in both men and women, men typically develop heart disease around ten years earlier than women, in part due to elevated cholesterol levels. Men with a family history of heart disease should ensure they’re keeping up with routine checkups, eating well, and managing their stress.
• Parkinson’s disease: Men are 1.5 times more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than women. While the main cause of this is unclear, a healthy diet and regular exercise may help prevent it.
• Melanoma: Melanoma is a type of skin cancer, which is more common in men over 50. The good news is that skin cancer is highly preventable with broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least 30 SPF, protective clothing, and regular skin checkups. 
• Pancreatic cancer: Pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer is slightly more common in men than women. However, only about 10% of pancreatic cancers are connected to genetic causes. This type of cancer isn’t fully preventable, but a nutritious diet and limiting alcohol consumption may help.
• Gout: Gout is a type of arthritis that can cause needle-like pain in the joints and, in some cases, increase the risk of kidney stones. It most commonly develops in men between the ages of 30 and 50. Eating a low-sugar diet, staying hydrated, and managing your weight can help prevent gout from developing.⁴ 

The importance of self-checks and preventive care

When it comes to health, waiting can come at a serious cost. Serious men’s health problems, such as those listed above, often become more common with age, and many can gradually develop without noticeable symptoms.

Self-checks and awareness also play an important role in healthy aging and can help detect any health issues before they become more serious. Older men and their loved ones can better recognize when something may need attention by paying closer attention to their energy levels, sleep patterns, weight, mobility, skin changes, and urinary habits. Over time, taking on simple habits like monitoring blood pressure, doing skin checks, and keeping up with recommended screenings can make a truly impactful difference.

Remember, preventive care isn’t simply keeping a watchful eye out for signs of illness. It’s about protecting your independence, staying active, and continuing to live the life you want to live for the long haul.

Closing the gap starts with small steps

It’s important to note that casual conversations about men’s health problems can sometimes lean heavily on oversimplified stereotypes, reducing a complex public health issue to assumptions that men are simply unwilling to seek help.

We can all help the men in our lives take steps to better health by encouraging routine doctor’s visits and normalizing conversations with them about preventive care and long-term wellness. A great way for families and caregivers to support the men in their lives is by focusing on credible research to foster more productive dialogue and avoid potentially harmful generalizations.

If you or an aging loved one needs help maintaining a healthy lifestyle, getting to doctor’s appointments, or general day-to-day support, HomeWell is here to help. Our caregivers can serve as a reliable extension of your family, keeping a watchful eye and helping with everyday tasks for a healthier, happier life at home.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Sources

1. Zhao, E., Crimmins, E. M. (2022, June 14). “Mortality and morbidity in ageing men: Biology, lifestyle, and environment.” Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11154-022-09737-6#Sec5
2. Giorgianni, S. J., & Henry, R. K. (2025, December 6). “A Window of Opportunity to Address the Critical Issue of U.S. Male Longevity and Disease Burden Gaps: A Call for U.S. Federal Oversight.” American Journal of Men’s Health.   https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12682996/
3. Baker, P., Dworkin, S. L., Tong, S., Banks, I., Shand, T., & Yamey, G. (2014, March 6). “The men’s health gap: men must be included in the global health equity agenda.” Bulletin of the World Health Organization. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4147416/
4. Olsson, R. (2023, January 19). “6 Conditions That Affect Men More Than Women.” Banner Health. https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/teach-me/men-vs-women-how-gender-affects-health