Men face several primary health threats, most notably cardiovascular diseases (like heart attacks and stroke), various cancers (prostate, lung, and colorectal), type 2 diabetes, and mental health challenges. Addressing these issues early through routine check-ups and lifestyle changes is crucial to improving long-term health outcomes.
To live long and remain healthy, adult males must pay close attention to specific men’s health issues. Whether you’re concerned about common men’s health problems or interested in learning more about the health of men in general, understanding the risks is the first step.
What Do All Men Have In Common When It Comes To Health?
While every individual is unique, male adults often share certain risk factors and health concerns. Recognizing what men have in common can help with early intervention and prevention of these major men’s health issues.
Heart-Related Diseases
Heart attack, stroke and diseases affecting the arteries are among the top 10 men’s health issues worldwide. These ailments are collectively known as cardiovascular diseases.
Note that:
More than one out of four adult men are at risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.
High blood pressure occurs more often in men over 45 years of age.
To prevent death from cardiovascular disease, you must have a medical checkup at least once every six months at a one-stop medical center like Hamilton Health. You should also monitor your blood pressure and eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is a terrible disease because it can spread rapidly before you notice its symptoms. It’s difficult to treat or cure this disease when it’s discovered.
Lung cancer can kill within a year after its diagnosed, and more people die from lung cancer than any other type. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer in men, causing about nine out of 10 cases. While the number of men smoking has dropped, it’s still a leading cause of death among adult men.
Unfortunately, there is no early detection test for lung cancer. The best way to avoid the disease is to stop smoking. If you are or have ever been a chronic smoker, visit your doctor for a medical examination.
COPD and Other Respiratory Diseases
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) refers to several conditions — including emphysema and chronic bronchitis — that cause breathing problems or block airflow. This disease often causes symptoms like frequent coughing, excess phlegm production, trouble taking a deep breath and shortness of breath.
Prostate Cancer
Only men can develop this ailment because women don’t have prostate glands. The prostate is a small gland located behind the penis. It produces fluids that are important for releasing semen during sexual intercourse.
As males get older, the prostate easily gets enlarged. This cancer is the most common type adult males have.
Not all cases of prostate cancer result in death. So, as you get older, it’s essential to visit a medical center with the facilities to detect the exact type of cancer you may be at risk of developing.
The facts:
- It is believed that 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer.
- Research has found that black men are more at risk, and Asian men are less at risk of developing prostate cancer.
- You’re slightly more at risk if your brother or father has been affected by prostate cancer.
There are multiple ways you can test for prostate cancer. PSA testing – a blood test – may help detect prostate cancer earlier by measuring the level of prostate-specific antigen. You can also go to your doctor for a physical examination, MRI scan, or a biopsy.
Treatment for prostate cancer includes surgically removing the prostate, and radiotherapy. There is also further treatment for when the cancer has spread to reduce symptoms and prolong life.
Many men don’t speak up about experiencing possible symptoms for prostate cancer due to the anxiety of discussing the intimate area, or fear of losing their dignity from getting a physical examination. It’s important to remember that the tests for prostate cancer could save your life, and testing for cancer is a doctor’s job.
Liver Disease
Liver disease manifests in several ways, including viral hepatitis, liver cancer or alcoholic liver disease. People with liver disease have a difficult time digesting food and disposing of toxic substances. The body also shows symptoms like swollen abdomen, yellowing of the skin and changing stool.
Stroke
A stroke happens when arteries in the brain become blocked or rupture. Either of these events prevents the cells from getting oxygen, causing parts of the brain to die. This occurrence is a leading cause of death and disability for adults. Medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity can increase stroke risk. Certain behaviors like tobacco and alcohol use may also increase your risk.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) — or impotence — occurs when a man cannot get or maintain an erection. It occurs occasionally in men during stressful events, but if it happens often, it can be a sign of a severe health problem.
Erectile dysfunction may be caused by atherosclerosis, which is the hardening of arteries. ED is a sign that blood vessels aren’t in good shape. Many doctors see erectile dysfunction as a warning sign of an upcoming cardiovascular or heart disease. If you notice you have ED, please visit a qualified doctor immediately.
Diabetes
Diabetes occurs when the glucose in your blood becomes very high. It happens when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or the body does not respond to it. This situation leads to excess glucose in the blood.
Two signs of diabetes are the frequent urge to urinate and excessive thirst. Diabetes develops slowly, and most men aren’t aware of it, until they see the first two major signs.
Excess glucose in the blood can cause other diseases, including strokes, heart attacks and blindness. This disease is also the leading cause of kidney failure and lower limb amputations. Obese and overweight men in the U.S. are more likely to develop diabetes. To prevent this disease, you need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, and you should eat a diet with a balanced combination of macronutrients.
Depression
While statistics show depression is slightly higher among females, depression is still quite common among males, with about 6% of men experiencing major depressive episodes yearly.
