June is Men’s Health Month, an annual observance that raises awareness about the health issues men face and the importance of regular health screenings and checkups. The leading causes of death among men in the U.S. can often be caught early with preventive screenings and annual physicals, but many forgo these steps to protect their health. In a 2023 survey by the Cleveland Clinic, 81% of men nationally said they believed they were living a healthy lifestyle, but 44% admitted they do not get an annual physical.
The average life expectancy for men in Arkansas is 69.7 years, nearly six years shorter than life expectancy for women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The top two causes of death for men ages 45 and up in Arkansas are heart disease and cancer, by a large margin. Risks for both heart disease and cancer can be mitigated with lifestyle choices and treatment, but according to the Cleveland Clinic survey, only about half of men in the U.S. have been screened for common cancers, including prostate and colorectal cancer; only 51% report keeping a healthy diet; more than half say they are not satisfied with their weight; and 83% do not use sunscreen on a regular basis.
Recommended screening ages for some conditions have changed in recent years. For others, health officials recommend having a conversation with your doctor about screening options. Health officials currently recommend:
- Colorectal cancer screening beginning at age 45.
- Consideration of prostate cancer screening for men ages 55 to 69.
- Monitoring for signs of heart disease during regular checkups.
- Lung cancer screening for people ages 50 to 80 who have a history of smoking.
Annual screenings and/or regular conversations with a doctor can also help detect and address other conditions such as depression, diabetes, poor sleep quality, erectile dysfunction, sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, and other issues that can impact health and quality of life.
