SHREVEPORT, La. — CHRISTUS Health is encouraging men to prioritize preventive health care and routine screenings during Men’s Health Month, citing research that shows men are less likely than women to seek regular medical attention.
According to studies from the National Institutes of Health, men are 33% less likely than women to seek medical care, a trend health providers say can delay the diagnosis and treatment of serious medical conditions.
“Men frequently delay seeking medical care until symptoms become noticeable, yet many serious conditions can progress without obvious signs,” said Edward Johnson, a family medicine physician with CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. “Regular checkups allow us to catch issues sooner, when they’re easier to treat and outcomes are better.”
Johnson recommends annual wellness exams beginning at age 45, or earlier for men with a family history of chronic or serious conditions, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, prostate cancer, colon cancer and high blood pressure.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men, according to health officials. At the same time, updated screening recommendations have reflected a rise in cancer diagnoses among younger adults, increasing the importance of routine screenings for men age 45 and older.
The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 44% of the projected 618,120 cancer deaths in 2025 will be linked to preventable risk factors. Health experts say many of those risks can be reduced through lifestyle changes, early detection and appropriate screening measures, including noninvasive testing and colonoscopies based on individual risk profiles.
CHRISTUS Health said preventive care and regular health evaluations can help identify potential health concerns earlier, improving treatment options and long-term outcomes for patients.
The organization encourages men to establish relationships with primary care providers and maintain regular wellness visits as part of a proactive approach to long-term health.