Real Men Do Take Care of
Their Health

Men tend to lead less-healthy lifestyles than women. They’re more apt to smoke and drink alcohol and more likely to be overweight. Yet compared to women, men go to the doctor less frequently.

According to a large national survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many men don’t even have a regular healthcare provider. In the survey, 17 percent of men said they didn’t have a “usual place to go for medical care,” compared to just 10 percent of women.

The irony is that men have even more to gain than women by taking steps to prevent future health problems. The average life expectancy for U.S. males is five years shorter than for females. Not all of that difference is due to biology. There are things men can do to protect their health.

At the top of the list: getting regular checkups and screenings. When health problems are found early, there’s a better chance of successful treatment. For example, when colorectal cancer is found and treated early, 90 percent of patients are still alive five years later. So if it’s been more than a year since your last checkup, call your provider and set up one. At the very least, you’ll be reassured to learn that all is well. At most, you might be taking a step today that helps you stay healthier for years to come.

Health Screenings FOr Men

Health Condition	Screening Test	Who Needs It
Heart disease	Blood pressure test	All men, at least every 2 years.
	Cholesterol test	Starting at age 35, at least every 5 years. Before age 35, discuss with your provider.
Diabetes	Blood sugar test	All men, discuss with your provider.
Sexually transmitted diseases	Various tests, including HIV	All men, discuss with your provider.
Colorectal cancer	Fecal occult blood test	Starting at age 50, every year.
	Flexible sigmoidoscopy	Starting at age 50, every 5 years if you’re not having a colonoscopy
	Double contrast barium enema (DCBE)	Starting at age 50, every 5 to 10 years if you’re not having a colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.
	Colonoscopy	Starting at age 50, every 10 years.
	Rectal exam	Starting at age 50, every 5 to 10 years when you have a colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or DCBE. Before age 50, discuss with your provider.
Prostate cancer Note: September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month—a great time to talk with your doctor about a screening!	Digital rectal exam	Starting at age 45, discuss with your provider.
	Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test	Starting at age 45, discuss with your provider.