Man up this Men’s Health Month by taking charge of your health

Men should prioritize their health year-round but often neglect annual checkups and necessary screenings. This Men’s Health Month, a Baylor College of Medicine expert encourages men to put their wellbeing first. 

“All men should be aware of the four major chronic diseases that significantly contribute to illness and early death as they age: cardiovascular disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome/diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders. With regular screening, early detection and a commitment to healthy lifestyle habits, including regular exercise, a whole-foods diet, quality sleep and effective stress management, these conditions are often preventable, identifiable at early stages and manageable long before they become life-threatening.”
said Dr. Basil Kaaki, assistant professor in the Scott Department of Urology at Baylor. 

Kaaki outlines four important areas to monitor in men:

Cancer
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men in the U.S. after skin cancer. About one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, and it is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. Black men are twice as likely to get prostate cancer compared to white men. All men should have a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, a simple blood test, every one to two years after age 50. Black men and those with a family history of prostate cancer should get their PSA checked annually starting at age 40.

Colorectal cancer is more common in men than in women in the U.S. Men at average risk should get a colonoscopy at age 45 to screen for colon cancer. A gastroenterologist will recommend the frequency of subsequent studies depending on the results of the exam. 

Testicular self-exams should begin at age 15 to screen for testicular cancer. With monthly exams, men can become familiar with the feel of their testicles and can more easily notice any changes such as lumps, swelling or pain.  If there is any doubt, Kaaki recommends prompt evaluation with a urologist.  

Cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among men in the U.S. 80% of premature heart disease is preventable through lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise and smoking cessation. Men at average risk should begin routine metabolic screening for cardiovascular disease (CVD) at age 35. This typically includes obtaining lipid panel, fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c and blood pressure measurements.  

“Risk factors for cardiovascular disease – such as diabetes, high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol, are often called ‘silent killers’ because they typically show no obvious symptoms in the early stages. Yet, this is when they can be most dangerous, quietly damaging the body before you even realize there’s a problem,” Kaaki said. 

Additional testing and earlier evaluation is recommended for men with significant risk factors.

Erectile dysfunction
Erectile function precedes CVD by about three to five years and can be an early warning sign for heart disease.

“The blood vessels in the penis are smaller than those in the heart, so if there's a blockage affecting blood flow in the penis, it may be an early warning sign of a more serious blockage in the heart,” Kaaki said. 

Testosterone 
All men should be aware of their serum testosterone levels. Testosterone is the most abundant male sex hormone and plays a crucial role in overall health, including energy levels, mood, muscle mass, bone density, libido and sexual function. Low testosterone (also called hypogonadism) can develop gradually and often goes unnoticed, yet it may contribute to fatigue, depression, reduced physical performance, weight gain and even increased cardiovascular and metabolic risk.

Knowing your levels can help identify hormonal imbalances early and guide lifestyle changes or treatment options to support long-term well-being and vitality.

Mental health
About 6 million men in the U.S experience depression every year, and men are less likely to report symptoms or seek help. Many men are raised with a “toughen up” mindset, which often carries into adulthood and leads to neglecting both physical and mental health. This avoidance is sometimes rooted in fear of losing control, appearing vulnerable or receiving a diagnosis they may feel unprepared to face.

Substance abuse issues are more prevalent in men versus women, and suicide rates are nearly four times higher in men than women.

“Most men won’t seek care unless there is a real problem affecting their quality of life,” Kaaki said. “Last year, 60% of men reported not seeing a doctor in the past year unless seriously ill. Men are 24% less likely than women to have visited a doctor in the last year, and life expectancy for men is about five years shorter than women.”

Kaaki recommends lifestyle modifications to manage overall health with sleep, exercise, nutrition and stress reduction. These changes benefit every facet of men’s health. 

“There is no pill in the world that is better than lifestyle modification,” he said. ” I tell my patients to treat their body like a high-performance vehicle. If you owned a Ferrari, you wouldn’t neglect it. You’d make sure it gets regular maintenance, use only premium fuel, replace the tires on time and avoid pushing it beyond its limits. Your body deserves an even better level of care: consistent check-ups, quality nutrition, regular exercise, and proper rest. After all, it’s the most important engine you'll ever own.”

In line with the American Heart Association, Kaaki recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week and focusing on sleeping seven to nine hours per night. Limiting processed foods and eating whole foods regularly is also crucial. “In my clinic, I find that men are often sleep deprived, which will significantly decrease their testosterone levels as this is mostly produced while sleeping. Lack of sleep leads to low testosterone.” 

While many men may feel unmotivated to attend their annual checkups and screenings, Kaaki emphasizes the vital role of building a strong, trusting relationship between providers and patients. Fear often keeps men from seeking routine care, but when providers clearly communicate that many cancers and chronic diseases are preventable, treatable or manageable, especially when detected early, men are more likely to participate in regular screenings. For those with busy schedules or who see office visits as a burden, telemedicine offers a convenient solution, helping to remove logistical barriers and keep health a priority.

“Men’s health is incredibly rewarding because it’s rooted in trust. Once that trust is established, it opens the door to deeper conversations and broader opportunities to support a man's health, often in ways neither of us anticipated at the start,” Kaaki said.