Taking Charge of Men’s Health

What Oncologists Want You to Know about Yearly Check-Ups

As an oncologist (and a man), this Men’s Health Month, I want to speak directly to my fellow men. We need to address a serious issue: too many of us avoid the doctor and skip routine check-ups until something is really wrong. The result? Men in the U.S. die about 5 years earlier than women – and many of the causes of this gap are largely preventable [1]. The good news is it doesn’t have to be this way. In this article, I’d like to dispel some common men’s health myths and instead, explain how being proactive about check-ups can literally save your life.

Yearly Check-Ups - What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You

It’s a common cliché that men take better care of their cars than their bodies. In fact, one survey found almost 70% of American men said it’s easier to care for their car than their own health [11]. Almost 40% of the men surveyed even prioritize their pets’ health over their own. We tend to pride ourselves on being tough and self-reliant, so we often ignore health issues or delay appointments.

Reality check: Surveys show almost half of U.S. men do not get annual physicals [3], and over 40% only go to the doctor when they have a serious issue [4]. I’ve had many patients who avoided check-ups because “I felt fine”. But feeling fine isn’t a guarantee that you are fine. In a national poll, one-third of men said they don’t need yearly health screenings, and two-thirds believe they’re healthier than other men [5]. As a result, many men overestimate their health and underestimate hidden risks. By the time they are referred to a specialist like me - too often it is for advanced disease.

The truth is that some of the biggest threats to men’s health start silently. High blood pressure, for example, is a “silent killer” with no early symptoms – and over 51% of men over 20 have high blood pressure or are on meds for it [5]. Conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol can also sneak up with few obvious signs. Most cancers can grow quietly at first. Even if you think you’re healthy and not feeling anything differently, there can be issues that often go unnoticed, which could be life-threatening if left unchecked… including rising blood pressure… or colon cancer, which is one of the deadliest yet preventable cancers. In other words, what you don’t know can hurt you.

Let’s also bust the myth that seeking medical help makes you “weak.” In reality, it takes strength to take care of yourself. According to a Harvard study, men are far more likely to skip routine health screens and avoid doctors than women [6] – and this reluctance is costing lives. Heart disease and cancer (often caught late in men) have long been the top two causes of death for American men [12]. We can change this by shedding the macho idea that “toughing it out” is noble. In fact, there’s nothing manly about an avoidable heart attack or an advanced cancer that could have been cured if caught earlier.

Dispelling Common Men’s Health Myths

Myth 1: “If I feel fine, I must be fine.”
Reality: You can feel perfectly fine even while a serious health issue is brewing. Many illnesses may not cause symptoms until significant damage is done. By the time you do feel something, the problem might have escalated. Regular check-ups include screenings that catch these silent dangers. For example, a simple blood pressure check, PSA check, or a routine colon cancer screening at age 45 can find issues you’d never know about on your own [5]. Some men also think “what I don’t know won’t hurt me” and avoid doctors for fear of bad news [5]. But ignorance is not bliss in health – problems don’t disappear just because you ignore them. In fact, they often worsen. Catching an issue early dramatically improves your chances. For example, if prostate cancer is found when it’s still confined to the prostate, the 5-year survival rate is over 99%, but if it’s not found until after it has spread, survival drops to around 37% [7]. Don’t wait for pain or obvious trouble as your signal – prevention is far easier and safer than crisis management. And don’t let fear of a diagnosis stop you from getting checked – knowledge gives you the power to act and get treated early.

Myth 2: “Young men don’t need to worry about health screenings.”
Reality: Illness doesn’t only strike the old. While it’s true that certain screenings (like colonoscopies or prostate checks) are recommended at later ages, healthy habits and awareness should start young. In fact, some conditions are actually more common in younger men – for example, testicular cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men under 40 [8]. The good news is it’s also highly treatable, especially when caught early. The 5-year survival rate for testicular cancer is around 95% [7]. That means younger guys should have a relationship with a primary care provider and address issues promptly. Starting good habits early (like yearly wellness visits and basic blood work when needed) sets you up for a healthier life long-term.

Myth 3: “Going to the doctor always means an uncomfortable exam (like a rectal exam).”
Reality: A lot of men — especially over 35 — worry that every check-up will involve a digital rectal exam (DRE). In one survey, 46% of men (aged 50–70) mistakenly thought they’d have to get a rectal exam to be tested for prostate cancer, and this fear was a major factor keeping them from checking their risk [9]. The truth is, routine doctor visits do not automatically include a DRE. Even for prostate cancer screening, the primary test nowadays is a simple PSA blood test, not a mandatory “finger exam”. Guidelines in recent years have de-emphasized the need for DREs as a screening tool, because it hasn’t proven very helpful by itself. Doctors will do a rectal exam only if there’s a good reason (for example, specific symptoms or concerns). So, don’t let the fear of an uncomfortable exam keep you from the doctor – you likely won’t need one, and even if you ever do, it’s quick and done professionally. There are other screening options now, and your comfort is a priority.

Myth 4: “It’s normal to feel lousy as I get older – and if something’s wrong, nothing can be done about it.”
Reality: Yes, our bodies change with age, but “just getting old” is not an excuse to ignore your health. Slowing down a bit is expected, but things like constantly feeling fatigued, depressed, or in pain are not just things you must accept without question. Often there are specific issues that can be addressed or treated: for instance, low testosterone, arthritis, or high blood pressure (which can cause fatigue) – these can all be managed once identified. Healthy aging is very possible, but you have to invest in it. Moreover, medicine has come a long way: there are many things we can do, especially if we identify an issue early. High cholesterol or rising blood sugar can be managed with lifestyle changes and meds to prevent heart attacks down the road. Early-stage cancers can often be treated minimally or even cured. Even issues like erectile dysfunction or mild depression – which some men suffer in silence – often have solutions that greatly improve quality of life (and remember, ED can be an early warning of heart disease, so it’s important to address it!). Never assume you just have to “live with” a problem. As Dr. Georges-Pascal Haber, a Cleveland Clinic urologist, points out: “The first signs of many serious health conditions are often urinary or sexual issues which many men are hesitant to address” [3]. That hesitation can cost you. Most health issues are more treatable and manageable in early stages, so don’t write off your 50s as “downhill” or assume that waking up 6 times at night to go to the bathroom is just a "sign of aging". And don’t be too proud to speak up about symptoms – doctors are here to help, not judge.

Take Charge: Key Steps for Better Health

So what can you do? Here are some concrete steps and important screenings I recommend to my patients and friends:

• Schedule your annual physical. A yearly wellness visit is a great opportunity to check the basics – blood pressure, heart rate, weight, labs – and to bring up any concerns. It helps establish a baseline and catch red flags early. Call a primary care doctor and book a check-up. Even if you feel fine, consider it routine maintenance – like an oil change for your car.
• Know your “numbers.” Key health numbers for men include blood pressure, blood sugar (glucose), cholesterol levels, and BMI/weight. These metrics can reveal risks for heart disease, diabetes, and more. For example, optimal blood pressure is around 120/80; if yours is creeping up into the high range, that’s a wake-up call to act. Knowing your numbers lets you and your doctor make informed plans.
• Get recommended screenings:
  • Colon Cancer: Begin screening at age 45 for average-risk men [7]. A colonoscopy every 10 years is one option, but there are also less invasive stool-based tests you can do annually or every 3 years (talk with your doctor about options). Colon cancer is one of the most deadly but preventable cancers – screening can find polyps before they turn into cancer, or catch cancer early when it’s very treatable. Don’t delay this one; the prep and procedure are not as bad as you might think, and it could save your life.
  • Prostate Cancer: Around age 50 (or 45 if you are African American or have a family history of prostate cancer), talk to your doctor about screening. This usually involves a PSA blood test, and possibly a quick physical exam in some cases. Remember, prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in American men (behind lung cancer) [10]– yet it’s very survivable if caught early. Knowing your risk and screening options is key.
  • Skin Checks: Skin cancer is common (sunscreen is not just for beauty!). Take a few minutes monthly to check your skin for new or changing moles. And ask your doctor to examine your skin during check-ups – especially if you have lots of moles or a history of sunburns. Melanoma can be deadly, but found early it’s highly curable.
  • Testicular Cancer: As mentioned earlier, young men should be aware of this one. There’s no routine screening test, but know your normal down there – if you ever feel a lump or firmness in a testicle, get it checked promptly. The vast majority of testicular cancers are cured, especially when treated early. Don’t be shy; doctors see this all the time and your health is more important than a moment of awkwardness.
  • Others: If you’re a smoker or former heavy smoker over 50, ask about a yearly low-dose CT scan for lung cancer. (Guidelines recommend annual lung screening for adults 50–80 with a 20 pack-year smoking history who smoke now or quit within 15 years) [2]. If you have a family history of certain diseases (like early heart disease, or cancers that run in the family), you may need earlier or extra screenings – discuss this with your physician.
• Take care of your mental health. Health isn’t just physical. Stress, anxiety, and depression affect men too – and there’s nothing unmanly about seeking help. Yet surveys show 65% of men say they are hesitant to seek professional help for mental health issues like stress or depression [4]. This “tough it out” mentality is harmful. If you’re struggling – whether it’s high stress at work, feeling down, or anything else – talk to someone. It could be your doctor, a therapist, or even starting with a trusted friend or family member. Getting help for mental health is absolutely a sign of strength, not weakness. It can improve every aspect of your life. Remember, your brain is an organ just like your heart – if you’d treat a physical ailment, treat a psychological one as well.
• The Big 4 - Build healthy habits: No health advice is complete without the basics: Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, limit alcohol, and don’t smoke. These lifestyle choices have a huge impact on long-term health. Heart disease is the #1 killer of men, and factors like smoking, poor diet, and inactivity are major contributors [13]. If you need help in these areas, ask your doctor – we have resources to help you quit smoking, lose weight, manage blood pressure, or cope with stress. Even small changes (like a 20-minute walk each day or adding more veggies to your meals) pay big dividends over time. It’s never too late to start healthier habits, but the sooner you do, the better you’ll feel.

Making Men’s Health a Priority

Finally, listen to your body. If something doesn’t seem right – be it a persistent cough, chest pain, a new lump, changes in bathroom habits, anything – don’t ignore it. Men sometimes delay seeking help for symptoms out of fear or denial. I’ve seen patients who noticed blood in their urine or had months of worsening fatigue but put off seeing a doctor. Please don’t do that. It’s likely nothing catastrophic, but if it is serious, early treatment is always more effective. And if it’s not serious, you gain peace of mind. It’s a win-win to get it checked.

Speaking as a doctor who has had far too many difficult conversations with men and their families, I urge you: make your health a priority. We want you around for a long time, living your best life. This Men’s Health Month, do something positive for yourself – schedule that check-up you’ve been putting off. Encourage your buddies, brothers, fathers, and sons to do the same. Let’s break the stigma that “men don’t talk about health.” It’s time to change that culture.

References

1. Pubmed Central. Dobson R. Men are more likely than women to die early. BMJ. 2006 Jul 29;333(7561):220. doi: 10.1136/bmj.333.7561.220-c. PMID: 16873854 Link
2. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force – “Lung Cancer: Screening.” March 9, 2021. Link
3. Cleveland Clinic – “Cleveland Clinic Survey Examines the Current State of Men’s Health in America.” News Release, Sep 6, 2023. Link
4. University of Utah Health – “Now is the Time for Men to Schedule Their Preventative Health Checkup.” HealthFeed News, Jun 3, 2024. Link
5. Medical News Today – “Why do so many men skip regular health checkups?” J. Smiley, June 7, 2022. Link
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – “Mortality in the United States: Data Brief No. 234.” National Center for Health Statistics, April 2016. Link
7. American Cancer Society – “Survival Rates for Prostate Cancer.” (2025 ACS Statistics). Link
8. National Cancer Institute – “Testicular Cancer Screening (PDQ®) – Patient Version.” (Updated May 8, 2025). Link
9. Prostate Cancer UK – News Article, Jun 4, 2024. Link
10. American Cancer Society – “Rectal Exam or Blood Test? 60% of U.S. Men Ages 45+ Have Misconceptions About Prostate Cancer Screening, as Rates of Late-Stage Diagnosis Increase.” Atlanta, September 5, 2024. Link
11. Disabled World. Abbott. (2011, June 14; updated June 9, 2021). Majority of men find it easier to care for their car than personal health. Link
12. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – “Leading Causes of Death in 2018 Among U.S. Men Ages 45-64.” National Center for Health Statistics Blog, June 2, 2020. Link
13. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – “Men’s Health.” National Center for Health Statistics Fast Stats, June 26, 2025. Link
14. Graph: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention –"National Vital Statistics System (NVSS), CDC WONDER." 2018. Link