Recognizing Men’s Health Month

June 2025

Men’s Health Month in the United States is observed every June. This month aims to raise awareness of the same health concerns of Men’s Health Week but lasts the whole month. It is different from Movember, which is held in November and focuses on men’s mental health as well as prostate cancer. During the month of June, men are encouraged to set goals for their own health and wellness and begin to create a roadmap for achieving those goals.

The physical aspect of men’s health

Men 15-65 years of age are significantly less likely than women to seek preventive care services, and they are more likely to report not having a primary care provider. A good first step on the path toward improved health is to make a call and establish with a primary care provider (PCP). A PCP will review medical, surgical and family history and recommend age- and risk-appropriate health screenings.

The following link provides crucial information to help men navigate health care services, starting now. Share this information with the men in your life and encourage them to take control of their health.

https://www.brownhealth.org/be-well/importance-mens-health-month

Crucial Men’s Health Screenings

Texas State Conference of NAACP Units, Health Committee

Men's health screenings are crucial for detecting potential health issues early and improving overall health outcomes. These screenings can help identify risk factors for various conditions and allow for timely treatment and preventive measures. Regular screenings are important for men of all ages. 

Here's a breakdown of some key screenings:

1. Annual Physical Exam:

Men over 50 should have a yearly physical exam, and those under 50 should have one every 3-5 years.  These exams include checks of weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and prostate. They also screen for early signs of heart and lung problems, check for up-to-date vaccinations, and screen for mental health problems. 

2. Vision Screening:

Vision screening is important for detecting early signs of eye diseases.  A yearly vision exam is recommended. 

3. Prostate Cancer Screening:

Many organizations advise men to be screened for prostate cancer starting at age 50. 

This can involve a digital rectal exam (DRE) and possibly a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test.   Government guidelines recommend against routine PSA testing, so it's important to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. 

4. Colorectal Cancer Screening:

Colonoscopy is recommended for adults ages 45 to 75 every 10 years. Other options include flexible sigmoidoscopy, CT colonography, or fecal occult blood tests. 

5. Cholesterol Screening:

Men at average risk for heart disease should have a cholesterol screening every 5 years starting at age 18.  Men over 20 should have their fasting lipoprotein profile checked every 4-6 years. 

6. Diabetes Screening:

You should be screened for diabetes starting at age 35 and then repeated every 3 years if you have no risk factors. 

7. HIV and STD Screening:

Sexually active adults who consider themselves at risk for STDs should be screened for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and other STDs. 

8. Lung Cancer Screening:

Screening is recommended annually for adults aged 50 to 80 years who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. 

9. Osteoporosis Screening:

Screening may be recommended depending on your age, family history, and risk factors.