Screening & Prevention

On Average, Men live six fewer years than women.

By adopting a lifestyle focused on prevention, men can start to reclaim these lost years and enjoy a longer, healthier life.

Not only does a proactive approach to health screenings save lives, it teaches and inspires our family members to adopt healthy behaviors – building toward a generation free from preventable cancers and conditions.

The Top 10 screenings

That all men must include as a foundation for good health as they age.

Blood Pressure

About half of all men over the age of 18 have hypertension or high blood pressure. It becomes more common in men as they age; ranging from about one in five adults under 40 to three out of four men over the age of 60.

Unchecked, hypertension leads to heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Experts say that a guy should have their blood pressure checked at least once every two years. By identifying and managing elevated blood pressure early, men can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease – the number one killer of American men. LEARN MORE.

Cholesterol

High cholesterol is another silent condition that increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. About one in 10 men have high cholesterol and according to the Centers for Disease Control, only about half of Americans who could benefit from taking some kind of medication to improve their cholesterol, are not. Experts recommend regular cholesterol checks every four to six years for adults over the age of 20. By keeping cholesterol levels in check through a combination of diet, exercise, and medication (when necessary), men can have healthier hearts and longer lives. LEARN MORE.

Diabetes

When the body has trouble regulating blood sugar levels, it can lead to diabetes, a chronic condition that can lead to severe complications, including heart disease, kidney failure, and vision loss. The American Diabetes Association states that over 34 million Americans have diabetes, with many more at risk. Testing is recommended for men over 45 or younger for those with risk factors such as obesity or a family history. Early detection and management of diabetes through lifestyle changes and medication can help prevent these serious complications. LEARN MORE.

Mental Health

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Although due to stigmas and societal expectations, men often do not seek treatment for depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 9% of men experience daily feelings of anxiety or depression. Regular mental health screenings and open discussions with healthcare providers or a trained therapist can lead to timely and effective treatment, improving the overall quality of life.

LEARN MORE.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in American men. About one in eight will be diagnosed during their lifetime. Factors like family history, African American-ancestry, and veterans have at least twice the risk. Men ought to start screening at 50 and 40 if you’re Black or have a family history of the disease. In fact, Black men are over 2.5 times more likely to die from the disease. LEARN MORE.

Colorectal Screening

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among men. Regular screenings with a colonoscopy is one of the most accurate tests you can have when it comes to catching cancer. When caught early, colon cancer is 91 percent. Experts recommend men start screening at age 45 then go at regular intervals after that as determined by your doctor’s evaluation of findings, your family history, and any genetic risks. LEARN MORE.

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common cancer. Half of all Americans get it. Men are more likely to get and die from skin cancer because they’re more likely to work outdoor occupations and lack behind in skin care practices. Through regular self-examinations and annual appointments with a dermatologist, many skin cancers can be caught before they ever start. Early detection of skin cancer, especially melanoma, can be life-saving. LEARN MORE.

Testicular Cancer

A rare cancer but most common in young men aged 15 to 35. It has a 99 percent survival rate when caught early. Regular self-examinations can help detect unusual lumps or changes early. Men should report any abnormalities to their healthcare provider immediately for further evaluation and treatment. LEARN MORE.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers among men. Smoking is the primary risk but exposure to occupational hazards like asbestos or long term exposure to secondhand smoke increases your risk. Experts recommend screening for lung cancer with low-doses of computed tomography (LDCT) in adults aged 50 to 80 years who have had a long history of smoking and currently smoke or quit within the last 15 years. LEARN MORE.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Screening for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is important because it can detect one of the most potentially deadly killers. An AAA, which is an abnormal swelling of the aorta in the abdomen, usually develops without any symptoms. If it ruptures, the internal bleeding can be catastrophic and often fatal. Men, particularly those over 65 who have smoked, are at higher risk for this condition. The screening process itself is straightforward and non-invasive, involving a painless ultrasound scan of the abdomen. This test can reveal whether an aneurysm is present and its size, thus allowing for appropriate monitoring or intervention before it reaches a point where it poses a significant risk.

Know your Scores & What they Mean

Getting screened is just the beginning. The real power lies in knowing your numbers, understanding their impact, and taking action. Your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, BMI, and PSA levels aren’t just random stats—they’re a snapshot of your current and future health. A borderline result today isn’t something to ignore; it’s an early warning that allows you to make changes before a problem becomes severe. Too many men assume that they’re in the clear if their numbers aren’t in the danger zone. But health doesn’t work like a pass/fail test. Even slightly elevated levels can indicate a trend in the wrong direction, and the sooner you take steps to address them, the easier it is to prevent long-term complications.

So, what do these numbers really mean? Blood pressure creeping above 120/80 might not seem alarming, but it could be the first step toward hypertension, a significant cause of heart attacks and strokes. Cholesterol just over the healthy range may not lead to symptoms today, but it could be quietly narrowing your arteries. An elevated PSA level doesn’t automatically mean prostate cancer, but it’s a sign that you need follow-up testing to rule out something serious. Blood sugar levels that hover just above normal could mean prediabetes—a condition that, if ignored, can progress into full-blown diabetes with serious consequences. These numbers tell a story, and paying attention to the plot before it takes an unwanted turn is up to you.

Tracking your numbers over time is just as important as getting them checked. A single test is a snapshot, but patterns reveal trends. If your cholesterol is rising every year, even slowly, that problem needs addressing before it becomes a full-blown health crisis. The same goes for weight gain, increasing blood sugar, or creeping blood pressure levels. Instead of waiting for a doctor to flag an issue, control your health data. Keep a record of your results, ask for copies of your lab work, and use them to have informed conversations with your doctor. If something looks off, don’t wait—schedule a follow-up, discuss lifestyle changes, and, if necessary, start medication before a minor issue turns into something much harder to manage.

Too many men treat screenings like a one-and-done deal—but health risks don’t take a break. High blood pressure doesn’t fix itself. Rising cholesterol won’t just go back down on its own. An elevated PSA could be the earliest red flag for prostate cancer. These numbers give you a roadmap, and staying on top of them can mean the difference between catching a problem early or dealing with a full-blown health emergency later. Make it a habit: track your results, know your risk factors, and schedule your next screening before it’s overdue. When it comes to your health, ignoring the numbers won’t make them go away—but paying attention to them could add years to your life.

Lifespan Gender Gap

The average lifespan of an American male is roughly 73 years, about six years shorter than women. Death from heart disease and stroke, prostate cancer, lung cancer, diabetes, and stress and mental health issues are taking their toll on men and their families and it’s time to CLOSE THE GAP! LEARN MORE.

Learn More

Ways to Get Active with Men’s Health Networks & Initiatives

MHN is dedicated to helping men and families and closing the lifespan gender gap. Here are ways you can help:

1. Download the “Gain Six Years Guide”
Download “The Gap Guide”. Men are living six fewer years. This comprehensive resource provides effective, efficient, and actionable tips and information for men to add years and good living to those years.

2. Take a Certified Men’s Health Educator Course
Empower yourself and others by becoming a Certified Men’s Health Educator through our 13-module course hosted on Thinkific. This certification equips you with the knowledge to teach and motivate men to take an active role in their health.

3. Join the Network
Wiping out heart disease, cancer, diabetes, mental illnesses, and a whole host of other threats to men’s health takes an entire united network of men and families, as well as passionate advocates ready to make a difference. Through Support, Education, and Awareness, we can make a SEA change of difference.

4. Donate to Support Men’s Health Initiatives
Your contributions help us grow and sustain our mission to improve men’s health through education, screenings, and advocacy. Every donation makes a difference.