Men’s Health Month: Preventive care starts with being proactive

June is Men's Health Month, a key reminder that preventative care and early detection can save lives. Essentia Health encourages men of all ages to take a proactive approach to their health by scheduling annual exams and staying current on recommended screenings.

  
“One of the best things you can do for yourself and your health is to be proactive and prioritize preventive care,” said Dr. Jacob Wilcox, family medicine physician at Essentia Health “So many of the diseases men deal with are preventable or highly treatable. It’s critically important to have a primary care provider (PCP), someone you can work with on a plan that ensures you are current on annual exams and screenings.” 
 
Regardless of age, men should have a physical exam each year. Routine screenings such as blood pressure and cholesterol checks can often be completed during these visits. Some screenings, including for HIV and hepatitis C, may only need to be done once. Others — particularly cancer screenings — should be done regularly based on age and risk factors. 
 
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Symptoms often do not appear until the disease is advanced. Men should consider an annual low-dose CT scan if they are between 50 and 77 years old, have a 20 pack-year smoking history (one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10), are current smokers or quit within the past 15 years. 
 
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the U.S., aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Men ages 50 to 69 should discuss an annual prostate cancer screening — including a prostate specific antigen blood test and rectal exam — with their provider. African American men and those with a close family history of prostate or other genetic cancers should begin conversations with their PCP between ages 40 and 54. 
 
Colorectal cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in U.S. men, according to the ACS. Screenings should begin at age 45, or earlier for those with risk factors such as a family history of colon cancer. Colonoscopies are the most effective screening method, though stool-based tests completed at home are also available. 
 
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for men in the U.S. Men over 40 with risk factors — including tobacco use, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, inactivity or excess weight — should talk with their provider about heart screening. 
 
Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it often goes overlooked. Social expectations and stigma can make it harder for men to talk about depression, anxiety, stress or substance use. Left unaddressed, mental health concerns can affect relationships, job performance and overall well-being — and in serious cases, lead to self-harm or suicide. Recognizing warning signs such as persistent sadness, irritability, sleep changes or withdrawal is an important first step. Seeking support from a primary care provider or mental health professional is a sign of strength. Early conversation and treatment can make a meaningful difference. 
 
Essentia patients may be able to see their PCP virtually or in-person, depending on their needs. To schedule an in-person visit, call (844) 663-1068. To schedule a virtual appointment, call (844) 663-1068 or log in to the MyChart app or web page.