Men’s Health Month in June highlights the value of prevention, yet many men still take a wait-and-see approach, delaying care out of denial or the belief that nothing is wrong until symptoms become unavoidable. That mindset can allow preventable conditions to develop unnoticed, even though many risks can be identified early through routine screenings and regular checkups.
To address common barriers and misconceptions,
Thomas Blackwell, MD, an internist with the Department of Internal Medicine at The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), answers key questions about overlooked health risks, why men may avoid care, and how proactive habits can improve long-term health.
What are some of the biggest health concerns facing men that often go overlooked?
“There are three things men need to be more aware of, and improving them does not always require a doctor’s visit,” Blackwell said. “The first is obesity. It’s the root cause of many medical problems, from heart disease to cancer.”
Obesity is linked to higher rates of prostate and colon cancer, he said, and it is often driven by poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle that affects more than 40% of men.
Sleep is another critical, often overlooked issue.
“One problem drives the other,” Blackwell said. “Poor sleep raises cortisol levels, which can increase appetite and change how the body metabolizes calories, which can lead to weight gain.”
Sleep also plays a role in brain health. “It’s when the brain clears itself,” he said, noting that most adults need seven to nine hours per night.
Lifestyle habits, including excessive alcohol use and diets high in processed foods, can further increase these risks.
“Everyone enjoys a burger now and then,” he said. “But when highly processed foods become the norm, especially combined with too much alcohol, it becomes a problem. Making simple changes can significantly improve health.”
Why do men tend to delay or avoid routine medical care?
“Men often practice a certain amount of denial, thinking, ‘It won’t happen to me,’” Blackwell said.
He added that many men believe they can manage health issues on their own, which can delay care until problems become serious.
“By that point, they may fear it’s too late, or worry about being diagnosed with a condition that requires medication,” he said.
That perception is often misguided.
“Treating a condition can actually improve quality of life,” Blackwell said. “Many medications are simple, effective, and have little to no side effects.”
'I feel fine. Why do I need to see a doctor?'
Blackwell hears this often and points to conditions that develop without symptoms.
“They don’t call high blood pressure the ‘silent killer’ for nothing,” he said. “You won’t feel it unless it’s extremely high, and the only way to know is to measure it.”
High cholesterol is another example.
“It has no symptoms until something serious happens, like a heart attack,” he said. “For many people, their first sign of heart disease is a major event.”
Blackwell noted that about one-third of men die from cardiovascular disease, 18% from cancer, and 6% from dementia.
“If you know your blood pressure and cholesterol levels and keep them under control, you’ve addressed a large portion of your risk for heart disease,” he said. “That can make a significant difference.”
Is there reason for optimism in men’s health?
Yes, particularly when it comes to treating obesity.
“With nearly half the population struggling with weight, newer medications like GLP-1 drugs are changing how we approach treatment,” Blackwell said.
These medications can help patients achieve and maintain a healthier weight, while also reducing the risk of heart disease and improving sleep.
“This is just the first generation,” he said. “There will be more advancements, and they will become even more effective over time.”
What role does the patient play in long-term health?
“Your doctor is your teammate,” Blackwell said. “But they’re only half the equation.”
He emphasized that successful outcomes depend on a partnership between physician and patient.
“Patients need to find a doctor who listens and then also follow the recommended care plan,” he said. “Medicine is not one-size-fits-all. It’s a collaboration to create a plan that works, and it takes effort on both sides.”
See your doctor before you have symptoms
Routine visits remain one of the most effective tools for preventing serious illness.
By identifying risks early and making manageable lifestyle changes, men can take control of their health long before problems arise.