June is Men’s Health Month! At RMC, we’re dedicating this time to raising awareness about the unique health challenges that affect men and encouraging proactive steps toward healthier habits and better well-being. While some conditions affect men and women alike, some diseases and health risks are more likely to develop in men because of differences in biological, behavioral, and social factors.
At RMC, we believe that awareness is the first step toward prevention and early detection, so let’s explore some male-specific or male-predominant health issues and why understanding them could help save lives.
Key Takeaways
- June is Men’s Health Month.
- Some health challenges are more common in men than women, and vice versa.
- Men experience higher rates of melanoma, gout, kidney stones, and heart disease than women.
- Prostate cancer is a leading cancer in men; however, testicular cancer is more likely to occur in younger men.
Why Do Men Face Unique Health Challenges?
Although men and women often face similar health issues, the way these conditions manifest can vary significantly between genders. This difference in how conditions appear also affects how early they’re diagnosed, which can affect treatment and the survival rate if the condition is life-threatening. Additionally, hormonal makeup, risk-taking behavior, and even a reluctance to seek medical attention can influence how health issues develop in men over time.
It’s important to spotlight these disparities and encourage preventive care during Men’s Health Month, so let’s get started.
The Leading Male Cancer: Prostate Cancer
As a disease that affects the male reproductive system, prostate cancer is one of the more obvious male-specific health conditions and is one of the most common cancers among men in the U.S.
Prostate cancer begins and develops in the prostate gland, which is located below a male’s bladder and in front of their rectum. This gland is a vital part of the male reproductive system as it helps keep sperm healthy by creating a fluid that combines with semen. In most cases, prostate cancer develops slowly, with early stages having no symptoms whatsoever. However, once symptoms do start to appear, this can be a sign that the cancer has progressed to a more advanced stage. Prostate cancer symptoms can include trouble urinating or blood in one’s urine.
Routine screenings such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests are one way to help catch prostate cancer early, especially in men over 50 years old or those who have a family history of the cancer.
The Young Man’s Disease: Testicular Cancer
Less common than prostate cancer, testicular cancer tends to affect younger men, typically between 15 and 35 years old, more often than older men. It can grow fast; however, early detection and treatment are highly effective in most cases. Men can stay proactive about prevention by regularly performing self-exams, looking for any unusual lumps, swelling, or discomfort in their testicles. Don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor immediately if anything seems suspicious or irregular.
Testicular cancer is a reminder that youth isn’t always a promise of healthiness and that everyone should stay alert about their health, regardless of age.
The Silent Killer: Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States, with conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol, and poor lifestyle habits increasing men’s risk. Statistics show that men are more likely than women to develop cardiovascular health problems at a younger age. Smoking and poor eating choices are two driving contributors, and symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. But sometimes there are no symptoms until a major event like a heart attack occurs.
The silent nature of heart disease makes routine screenings and heart-healthy habits all the more critical.
Skin Cancer with a Gender Gap: Melanoma
This may surprise you, but melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, affects men at higher rates than women, especially after the age of 50. Why is that, you might ask? Research suggests it could be due to both behavioral factors and biological differences in male and female skin. Men are less likely to take care of their skin by using sunscreen and are more likely to have outdoor jobs where they experience more frequent sun exposure.
Men usually develop melanoma on their backs and other hard-to-see areas, making regular skin checks and annual dermatologist visits very important. The good news is that when detected early, melanoma is highly treatable.
Painful but Preventable: Gout and Kidney Stones
Gout is another condition that disproportionately affects men, striking suddenly and painfully in the big toe, ankles, or knees. As a form of inflammatory arthritis, gout is caused by high levels of uric acid, a waste product your body naturally produces. Studies show that estrogen naturally helps eliminate uric acid from the body, which would explain the higher number of instances in men.
Similarly, kidney stones are more common in men than in women and cause intense pain, nausea, and blood in the urine. Dehydration and high-protein, salty diets, which men are more likely to consume, all contribute to the formation of kidney stones. Staying hydrated and eating a balanced, healthy diet are the easiest ways to avoid this excruciating condition.
Aggressive & Overlooked: Pancreatic Cancer
Although pancreatic cancer can affect both genders, men have a slightly elevated risk compared to women. Even as one of the most aggressive cancers, pancreatic cancer is, unfortunately, often diagnosed late due to its vague and early symptoms, which include abdominal pain, weight loss, and fatigue.
Smoking, being overweight, and having a family history of pancreatic cancer can all increase a man’s risk.
Prioritize Your Health with RMC This Men’s Health Month
During Men’s Health Month, we want to urge men to take charge of their health by scheduling checkups, asking questions, and staying informed about conditions that disproportionately affect them. Awareness can truly be life-saving!
If you or a loved one hasn’t had a recent health screening, now is the time! Contact us at RMC to schedule a wellness exam or speak with one of our specialists.