Men often don’t even want to think about getting a checkup. In fact, research by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that men are about 10% less likely than women to see a healthcare professional.
But the CDC also reports that men in the U.S. tend to die almost 5 years earlier than women. They’re also more likely to smoke, drink and engage in risky behaviors.
So Why Don’t Men Go to the Doctor’s Office?
According to the Carilion Clinic Family Medicine team, the main reason is simple: men often don’t want to hear bad news.
Carilion Clinic family physician Mark Greenawald, MD, has seen this quite often: “It’s important for men to remember that avoiding or ignoring a problem will not make it go away. And you want to prevent problems as well. It is therefore much better to establish a relationship with your doctor where you can work as a team to keep you as healthy as possible.”
The Importance of Preventive Care
Avoiding the doctor can turn minor health issues into major problems. The solution? Regular checkups. These visits can help catch potential health issues early, reducing the risk of serious diseases.
Key Screenings for Men
Regular screenings for men might include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Colorectal cancer
- Liver disease (including hepatitis)
- Kidney disease
- Prostate cancer
- Testicular cancer
Without regular screenings, many of these conditions are only diagnosed when they become severe. This can make them much harder to treat.
Screening options for prostate and testicular cancer can be complex, so be sure you and your doctor talk them through.
When to Start Screenings
Your doctor can help decide the best time for you to start screenings based on family history and other factors. In general, follow these guidelines:
- Blood pressure and cholesterol: Age 20
- Colorectal cancer: Age 45
- Prostate cancer: Age 55 for men at average risk (no close relatives diagnosed)
Take Charge of Your Health
Regular checkups are also a good time to talk about lifestyle choices, like:
- Exercise
- Tobacco use
- Drug and alcohol use
- Sexual health
First Steps
To get the checkups you need, follow these steps:
- Accept that health problems can happen to anyone.
- Find a healthcare professional you like and trust.
- Bring a trusted family member to your appointment for support.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Remember, your doctor is there to help you. Regular checkups can catch problems early and keep you feeling your best. Contact a Carilion Clinic Family Medicine location near you to get started.
