Dr. Scott Joy is urging men to prioritize preventive health care and attend yearly exams to detect serious conditions early [1].
This push for preventive care aims to address a significant longevity gap between genders and combat the tendency for men to skip routine medical check-ups [1, 2].
Dr. Joy, a physician with HCA HealthONE Physician Services, said these needs are important during Men’s Health Month in June [1, 3]. He said that many men avoid the doctor until symptoms become severe, which often results in missed opportunities for early detection of treatable diseases [1].
Data indicates that men live about five years less than women on average [2]. This discrepancy is partly attributed to the lack of regular screenings, and a reluctance to seek medical intervention during the early stages of illness [1, 2].
One critical area of focus is cancer prevention. Dr. Joy said that prostate cancer screening should begin around age 45 [3]. Early detection of such conditions can significantly improve outcomes and survival rates, a result of consistent monitoring rather than reactive treatment [3].
Preventive care includes not only cancer screenings, but also monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol. These routine checks help physicians identify risk factors for heart disease and stroke before they lead to emergency medical events [1].
By establishing a relationship with a primary care provider, men can create a health baseline. This allows doctors to spot subtle changes in health over time, making it easier to diagnose issues that might otherwise go unnoticed during a single, infrequent visit [1].
“Men live about five years less than women on average”
The gap in life expectancy between men and women is not solely biological but is influenced by behavioral patterns regarding health maintenance. By shifting the focus from reactive care to preventive screenings, health systems aim to reduce mortality rates for treatable conditions like prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease.
