June is Men’s Health Month, a time to focus on the unique health challenges men face. When it comes to men’s health, few issues are more urgent than cancer. One in three men will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in their lifetime. Despite this high risk, many men do not undergo recommended cancer screenings—especially for prostate and colon cancer, two of the most common cancers affecting men.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer (other than skin cancer) in American men, with about one in eight men receiving a diagnosis during their lifetime. The risk rises after age 50, and factors like family history and being African American increase that risk.
Colorectal cancer also poses a significant threat, with approximately 4% of people in the U.S. developing the disease during their lifetime. Men are more likely to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer than women, and mortality rates are also higher in men. Risk factors include advancing age, family history, excess body weight, smoking, and certain genetic conditions.
Both prostate and colorectal cancer can develop without causing symptoms, potentially leading to later diagnoses at a more dangerous stage, when the cancer is advanced. Early detection through screenings is key—because finding cancer before it causes any symptoms or has the chance to spread means it is more likely to be curable.
Despite the known benefits of cancer screenings, many people still delay or avoid them. For example, 1 in 3 individuals in the U.S. who are eligible for colorectal cancer screening have never been screened. Why is this?
But here’s the reality:
This Men’s Health Month, let’s challenge the silence and take proactive steps:
Talk to your doctor about your cancer risk and screening options—especially if you’re over 45 or have a family history of cancer.
Don’t ignore symptoms, such as changes in urination, blood in the stool, or unexplained weight loss.
Encourage the men in your life to prioritize their health.