Preventive care for men: Screenings, symptoms and steps to stay healthy
June is a big month for men. In addition to Father's Day being in June, it's also Men's Health Month and Men's Mental Health Awareness Month. But even with this awareness, between work, family and everything else competing for your time, it's easy to push your own health to the bottom of the list.
Taking care of your health isn't just about going to the doctor when something feels off. It's about staying ahead of problems before they start. Preventive care for men focuses on routine checkups, recommended screenings and paying attention to early warning signs that can make a big difference in long-term health.
Whether you're in your 20s or your 70s, building a preventive care routine now can help you stay healthier, longer so you can be there when your family needs you. Specialists at Main Line Health break down what you need to focus on and when.
Start with primary care: your foundation for preventive health
If there's one place to begin, it's with a primary care provider. Yearly visits are the backbone of preventive healthcare for men.
During a routine checkup, your clinician checks your vitals and reviews your personal and family health history. Your clinician uses this information to identify your personal risk factors for serious conditions and recommends screenings.
"Preventive care is really about catching potential issues early, when they're most treatable," explains John Yeiser, III, MD, primary care physician.
"Even if you feel healthy, these visits help us spot trends before they become problems."
While you may delay seeing your primary until you're sick, waiting can lead to minor issues becoming more serious, as discussed by our specialists in this story.
Schedule a primary care appointment
Musculoskeletal health: don't ignore aches and pains
It's easy to brush off back pain, stiffness or joint discomfort, but these issues can become everyday annoyances or chronic conditions if ignored. Common concerns include:
- Back or neck pain from sitting
- Joint pain
- Shoulder injuries like rotator cuff tears
- Strains and sprains from playing sports
Early evaluation and, when appropriate, physical therapy (PT) can prevent long-term damage and improve mobility.
"If pain is limiting your movement or sticking around longer than expected, it's worth getting it checked," says David Vegari, MD, MBA, orthopaedic surgeon.
Take care of your joints and muscles
Prostate health: screening saves lives
Prostate cancer screening is one of the most important preventive steps men can take as they age. Share the decision making by talking with your clinician about when to begin screening based on your specific risk, including family history.
"It's a conversation between you and your clinician as screening for prostate cancer is not a one-size-fits-all approach," says Christopher Hartman, MD, MBA, medical director of urology.
"Prostate cancer screening decisions should be tailored to each patient's risk factors."
Learn about options to detect prostate cancer
Testicular cancer: why talk about an uncomfortable subject
Testicular cancer cases are rising and it's the most common cancer in men ages 15–35 years old. But, even in the late stages, testicular cancer can typically be cured.
"A lot of men feel awkward mentioning a lump or groin pain to their clinician. But symptoms that last more than two weeks need to be evaluated," explains Lauren Young, MD, medical oncologist.
"Even small or painless changes in your testicles are worth checking out. Catching testicular cancer early can dramatically improve how easily we can treat it."
Keep in mind that testicular cancer itself or treating it, may result in infertility. And while on that subject, here are factors to consider before getting a vasectomy.
Gut health: don't overlook silent symptoms of colon cancer
Colorectal cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages and that's what makes screening so important. It's also, sadly, becoming one of the most common cancers in young adults and the leading cause of death in people younger than 50.
A colonoscopy can detect and remove precancerous polyps before they turn into cancer.
"Colorectal cancer can be easy to miss and progress very quickly," says Philip Pearson, MD, colorectal surgeon.
"The idea of a colonoscopy may be unpleasant, but it's easier on you and your loved ones if you prevent tumors before they form rather than treating colon cancer."
Review the silent symptoms of colorectal cancer
Head and neck cancer: prevention and early detection
Cases of cancers of the head and neck, including throat cancer, are increasing. A substantial rise in cases is linked to HPV (human papillomavirus).
Yet, many of these cases are preventable. Preventive steps include getting the HPV vaccine and screenings.
"Early detection is key with head and neck cancers," explains Amit Bhojwani, DO, FACS, MS, MBS, surgical oncologist.
"The sooner we evaluate symptoms, the better the outcomes."
Watch for symptoms like persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing and a lump in the neck that is not a thyroid nodule.
Talk to a clinician about your risk
Stroke awareness: act quickly, think preventively
Did you know that you can have a stroke before you're 45 years old? Though it can happen suddenly, many of the risk factors of stroke are preventable or manageable with proper care.
Conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes all increase stroke risk, which is why preventive care and routine monitoring matter.
Learn about stroke interventions
Weight and nutrition: build healthy habits that last
Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most effective ways to prevent not only "dad bod" but also chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. Start with small, manageable changes, such as smaller portion sizes, limiting alcohol, being active and replacing processed foods with healthy recipes for men.
Even modest weight loss can make a meaningful difference. Losing 5–10% of your body weight can improve blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, all key risk factors for long-term health. Small changes that you keep consistent over time can lead to significant improvements in overall health and how you feel day to day.
If you're struggling to make progress on your own, you don't have to go at it alone. Our expert dietitians can help you create a plan that works for your lifestyle.
Heart health: know your numbers and your risk
Heart disease remains one of the leading health concerns for men, which makes prevention and early detection critical.
Many men don't notice symptoms until heart disease has already progressed. Regular screenings help identify risks early, including high blood pressure and cholesterol, both major contributors to heart disease in men.
"Heart disease often develops quietly," describes Kyle Nelson, MD, noninvasive cardiologist.
"Routine screenings give us the opportunity to intervene early and reduce long-term risk."
Learn about essential cardiac screenings
Mental health: caring for men's whole health
Preventive care isn't just physical, it includes your mental and emotional well-being, too.
Men often experience symptoms of depression and stress differently than women, which can make them easier to overlook. Signs may include irritability, low energy, loss of interest in activities and difficulty concentrating.
"Men don't always recognize these symptoms as depression," says Richard Hempel, MD, MA, board-certified psychiatrist.
"Talking to someone early can make a significant difference."
Get help with anger and stress
Make preventive care part of your routine
Preventive care is about small, consistent steps that protect your long-term health. Taking action now — whether it's booking a visit, getting screened or talking to a specialist — can help you stay healthier for years to come.
Next steps
Choose a healthcare partner who can tailor quality care to your needs.
Related posts
Rock bottom to role model: Damon's story of thriving after an amputation
A life of purpose after addiction: Kevin's story
Struggling to hear after a concert? How to prevent age-related hearing loss
Content you want, delivered to your inbox
Want to get the latest health and wellness articles delivered right to your inbox?
Subscribe to the Well Ahead Newsletter.
