While the life-expectancy gap between men and women has decreased, it's no secret that
men still need to pay more attention to their bodies. Several things work against men. They
tend to smoke and drink more than women. They don't seek medical help as often as women.
Some men define themselves by their work, which can add to stress.
There are also health conditions that only affect men, such as
prostate cancer and low testosterone. Many of the major health risks that men
face - like
colon cancer or
heart disease - can be prevented and treated with early diagnosis. Screening tests can find
diseases early, when they are easier to treat. It's important to have regular checkups and
screenings.
National Library of Medicine | National Institutes of Health | Department of Health and Human Services