Paul James, DNP

Men’s health has received increased attention in recent years. Many men come to my office to establish care and say things like, “I haven’t seen a doctor in years,” or, my personal favorite, “I’m only here because my wife told me to come.”

Although there are always exceptions, I have found that men are often more likely than women to delay their own self-care. National data supports this pattern, showing that women are about 30% more likely to report symptoms to their provider and attend annual exams or screenings.

Good communication with a provider is an important part of a productive visit, yet many men are unsure about what to ask or how to describe their symptoms. Every person has unique health needs, but my best advice for men preparing for a medical visit is to ask about cardiovascular risk, cancer screening, and mental health.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men, accounting for one in four deaths. When discussing cardiovascular risk with your provider, ask about your key health numbers, including blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference. Understanding these numbers can help you lower your risk of serious events such as a heart attack or stroke. Depending on your needs, your provider may recommend medications, dietary changes, exercise, and other lifestyle modifications to reduce your overall risk.

Cancer is another major health risk for men, with prostate, colon, and lung cancer among the most significant concerns. Early screening plays an important role in detection and successful treatment. Ask your provider whether you are due for a screening and which test is most appropriate for you. Prostate cancer screening often includes a blood test called prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and the decision about when to begin depends on factors such as age, family history, and symptoms.

Colon cancer screening typically begins at age 45, with a colonoscopy as the preferred test, though stool-based tests such as Cologuard may also be available. Lung cancer screening may be recommended for adults ages 50 to 80 with a significant smoking history. This is usually done with a low-dose CT scan. Because screening guidelines vary, it is important to discuss your individual risk factors with your provider.

Another crucial topic men should discuss with their provider is mental health. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders still carry unfair stigma, but they are medical conditions just like any other illness. For many men, talking about mental health can be difficult because of cultural expectations that may label emotional openness or treatment as weakness.

Although men report slightly lower rates of depression and anxiety than women, they are often less likely to seek care, and suicide rates are disproportionately higher in men. Conversations with a provider should include any warning signs of mental health concerns, such as thoughts of self-harm, persistent sadness, sleep problems, increased irritability or anger, hopelessness, and excessive worry. Treatment options may include counseling, behavioral therapy, medication, or a combination of these approaches.

To get the most from a health care visit, men should start by having an open conversation with their provider. The topics reviewed here are not meant to be comprehensive, but to encourage discussion of some of the most serious health concerns men face.

These conversations can also lead to other important discussions, such as screening for metabolic conditions like diabetes, recognizing early signs of lung disease such as COPD, and seeking help for concerns related to tobacco, alcohol, or recreational drug use. Whatever your health needs may be, clear communication with your provider and regular annual exams and follow-up appointments are essential to maintaining good health.