By Tyrel Linkhorn

Whether putting off regular screenings or ignoring symptoms in hopes they’ll resolve themselves, it’s well documented that men are less likely to go to the doctor than women.

In doing so, experts say men are putting their health at risk.

“Men will say they don’t like to be poked and prodded. I think it’s also an issue of machismo,” said Dr. Basil Akpunonu, an internal medicine specialist at The University of Toledo Medical Center’s Comprehensive Care Center. “However, we all need to take care of our health. If you have a disease or a risk factor for disease, the sooner we can treat you the better.”

During Men’s Health Month in June, UTMC is encouraging men to prioritize their health and ensure they’re getting the care they need to live a long, healthy life.

Among the key guidance for men, Akpunonu said, is the importance of keeping up with recommended health screenings.

“A lot of people don’t realize what screening is supposed to accomplish. I’ll have patients ask why they should be screened if they feel good,” he said. “The whole idea is so you can find out that something is wrong before it becomes fully obvious. Once the symptoms appear, it might be too late.”

Of particular concerns are cancer and cardiovascular disease, the two leading killers of men in the United States.

High blood pressure generally causes no noticeable symptoms but it is a leading risk factor for stroke and increases your risk for heart attacks and kidney failure. It is also exceedingly common, affecting half of all U.S. men, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

High cholesterol and diabetes can also fly under the radar before causing serious problems, Akpunonu said, making screening important.

When it comes to cancer, the most common form in men is prostate cancer, followed by lung and colorectal cancers.

With regular screening, many prostate and colorectal cancers can be found and treated early. Current and former smokers above the age of 50 also can have annual low-dose CT scans to identify cancer earlier and significantly lessen the risk of dying from lung cancer.

“Cardiovascular disease and cancer are the top two killers in the United States,” Akpunonu said. “The good news is that we can screen for these, we understand the diseases better than we did before and we have better tools to use to treat them.”

Akpunonu also said Men’s Health Month is a good opportunity to talk about mental health.

“Your mental health is just as important as your physical health,” he said. “Unfortunately, we have had a stigma associated with mental health, but I think people are more open now to talking about this. There are really good options for treating anxiety and depression and you can start those conversations with your primary care provider.”

The important thing for men who haven’t been to the doctor in a while is to schedule that appointment, have an honest conversation with your doctor and work with them to get on a path to better health.

“We’re here to work with people,” Akpunonu said, “and make sure they get the care they need.”

To schedule an appointment with a UTMC internal medicine provider, call 419-383-5614.

First Published May 26, 2023, 4:00 a.m.