Health Facts for Men

When it comes to health, men face some distinct risks—and often take fewer preventive steps to address them. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men (as well as women), men are more likely to get—and die from—cancer than women, and they are four times more likely than women to die by suicide. At the same time, men are less likely than women to get routine medical care.

Understanding the most common threats to men’s health—and the steps that reduce risk—can help men take a more proactive approach to maintaining their health. Early detection, healthy lifestyle choices, and taking medications as prescribed matter at every age.

The Leading Threat

Heart disease accounts for roughly one in four male deaths. Many of its major risk factors—high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and physical inactivity—can be prevented or controlled.

Regular exercise significantly lowers the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and disordered cholesterol levels. A dietary pattern that emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein sources, and healthy fats while limiting sodium, added sugars, animal fats, and excess calories supports heart health and helps prevent weight gain.

Knowing key health numbers—blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, LDL cholesterol, and weight—provides an early warning system. Tracking these measures regularly allows for earlier intervention, when lifestyle changes or medications are most effective. Erectile dysfunction is potentially an early warning sign of heart disease and vascular issues.

You should also know the signs of a heart attack. Chest pain or discomfort is the most recognized symptom, but men may also experience pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, back, arms, or shoulders; shortness of breath; or feelings of weakness, lightheadedness, or fainting.

A Higher Risk

Men face a one-in-two lifetime risk of developing cancer, compared with approximately one in three for women. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in men, due in part to historically higher smoking rates. Avoiding tobacco remains one of the most powerful cancer-prevention strategies available.

Prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men (partly due to improved early screening) and the second leading cause of cancer death in men.

Early-stage prostate cancer, which often produces no symptoms, is highly responsive to treatment. In advanced stages, prostate cancer may cause a slow or weakened urinary stream, increased frequency of urination, erectile dysfunction, blood in the urine, or pain in the pelvis, spine, hips, or ribs. These symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, which is why regular screening is essential. It is recommended men ages 55 to 69 discuss prostate cancer screening with their healthcare provider.

A Silent Crisis

While men are less likely than women to be diagnosed with depression, they are four times more likely to die by suicide. One reason may be that depression in men can look different than in women and may go unrecognized. Men are less inclined to acknowledge emotional distress or seek treatment. Instead of sadness, depression in men may present as anger, irritability, aggression, or risk-taking behavior.

Chronic stress can contribute to mental health challenges. When the body’s ability to adapt to stress becomes overwhelmed, symptoms may appear physically, behaviorally, or psychologically. Maintaining mental health requires the same intentional care as physical health. In addition to professional support as needed, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, strong social connections, and stress-management strategies can help to reduce risk. Recognizing symptoms early—and seeking help—is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Surveys suggest that, while most adults have seen a provider within the past two years, women are more likely to have a regular healthcare provider and to obtain routine checkups.

Annual physical exams become particularly important after age 50, but preventive care is valuable at every age.

Essential components include:

• Blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, and weight monitoring.
• Age-appropriate cancer screenings.
• Vaccinations, including annual influenza shots, pneumonia and RSV vaccination when indicated, and shingles vaccination at or over age 50.

Mental health screening and lifestyle counselling are also often part of routine check-ups. 

“Establishing care with a primary provider and maintaining regular visits allows for early intervention for things like high blood pressure, blood glucose, and LDL cholesterol,” says Alice H. Lichtenstein, DSc, leader of the Diet and Chronic Disease Prevention for Healthy Aging directive at the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging and editor-in-chief of Tufts Health and Nutrition Letter. “The focus is on prevention.” Additionally, early detection of disease improves long-term outcomes.

Lichtenstein is also the Stanley N. Gershoff Professor of Nutrition Science and Policy at the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy.

Long-term health depends on consistent attention to prevention. Listen to your body, know your numbers, and seek care before problems escalate. “Heart disease, cancer, and depression are not inevitable consequences of being male,” says Lichtenstein. “Many risks can be reduced through lifestyle choices—or detected early and corrected through regular medical care.” Taking action today lays the groundwork for healthier decades ahead.