June is Men’s Health Month

June is men’s health month. By raising awareness, we can empower men to make smart health decisions and improve long-term outcomes. Here are five fast facts to remember:

1. Men are less likely to seek medical care.
   Studies show that men are less likely than women to use preventative care services.^1,2 Frequent and routine visits to a primary care physician ensure any health changes are detected early and allow healthcare providers to stay on top of preventative care.³
2. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men in the United States.
   In 2021, heart disease accounted for 384,886 male deaths, which is about 1 in every 4.⁴ Aiming for at least 30-60 minutes of activity every day can reduce risk for heart disease.⁵
3. One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.
   Prostate cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death in men.⁶ Experts recommend limiting the intake of fats and incorporating a wide range of vegetables, especially leafy greens, into one’s diet to reduce risk of prostate cancer.⁷
4. Men die by suicide more often than women.
   In 2022, men died by suicide at a rate four times higher than women.⁸ If you are struggling with depression and thoughts of suicide, talk to your doctor or a trusted medical professional. For immediate assistance, reach out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a free and confidential service available 24 hours a day. Research shows the Lifeline is highly effective form of support, as nearly 98% of suicidal callers reported that the call was helpful, and 88.1% said it prevented them from taking their own lives.⁹
5. Regular health screenings can save lives!
   Men aged 45 to 75 are advised to undergo routine screenings for conditions such as colorectal cancer, high blood pressure, and cholesterol.¹⁰ Regular screening can save lives by detecting diseases early, when they are most treatable and before serious complications develop.

At KDHRC, we encourage men to prioritize regular checkups, have open conversations about mental health, and take proactive steps toward prevention. We know that we’re stronger together!

Works Cited

1. Vaidya, V., Partha, G., & Karmakar, M. (2012). Gender differences in utilization of preventive care services in the United States. Journal of Women’s Health (2002), 21(2), 140–145. https://doi.org/10.1089/JWH.2011.2876
2. Cleveland clinic survey: men will do almost anything to avoid going to the doctor. (2019). Cleveland Clinic. https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2019/09/04/cleveland-clinic-survey-men-will-do-almost-anything-to-avoid-going-to-the-doctor
3. Savoy, M., FAAFP, FABC, CPE, CMQ, FAAPL, Hazlett-O’Brien, C., & Rapacciuolo, J. (2017). The Role of Primary Care Physicians in Managing Chronic Disease. Delaware Journal of Public Health, 3(1), 86. https://doi.org/10.32481/DJPH.2017.03.012
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Heart Disease Facts.
5. Heart disease prevention: Strategies to keep your heart healthy – Mayo Clinic. (2023, August 17). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/heart-disease-prevention/art-20046502
6. Key statistics for prostate cancer . (2025, May 30). American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
7. Prostate cancer: prevention. (n.d.). Johns Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved November 6, 2025, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/prostate-cancer/prostate-cancer-prevention
8. Suicide . (2025, August). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/suicide
9. Gould, M. S., Lake, A. M., Port, M. S., Kleinman, M., Hoyte-Badu, A. M., Rodriguez, C. L., Chowdhury, S. J., Galfalvy, H., & Goldstein, A. (2025). National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Now 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline): evaluation of crisis call outcomes for suicidal callers. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 55(3), e70020. https://doi.org/10.1111/SLTB.70020;SUBPAGE:STRING:FULL
10. Screening for colorectal cancer . (2025, February 26). CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/colorectal-cancer/screening/index.html