Let’s Hear It for the Boys! Men’s Health Month Spotlight
By Terri Schmitt, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP, Executive Director
June is Men’s Health Month — an important reminder that preventive care and early screenings can significantly improve long-term health outcomes for men.
While women make up nearly 90% of nurse practitioners in the United States, male providers remain underrepresented in healthcare. In fact, only about 7–10% of nurse practitioners are male. Current workforce estimates show that men account for approximately 30% of physician assistants and around 20% of physicians nationwide.
For many male patients, having access to a male provider can make conversations around sensitive health concerns feel more comfortable and approachable. Topics such as prostate health, sexual health, testosterone concerns, and preventive screenings are often easier for men to discuss openly when they feel understood and supported. The good news is that preventive care saves lives — and staying proactive about screenings and wellness visits can help detect serious conditions early, often before symptoms appear.
Current Screening Guidelines for Men are listed below as a refresher:
Prostate Cancer Screening : Men should discuss prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening with their healthcare provider beginning around age 45–50. Earlier screening, around ages 40–45, may be recommended for men who: are African American, have a strong family history of prostate cancer or carry BRCA gene mutations
These conversations are important because prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men, and early detection remains key.
Colon cancer screening is now recommended beginning at age 45 for average-risk adults. Screening options may include: Colonoscopy every 10 years if results are normal ,stool-based testing for some patients and earlier or more frequent testing for individuals with family history or additional risk factors Preventive colon screenings remain one of the most effective tools for reducing colon cancer deaths.
Men should also discuss: testosterone symptoms and hormone concerns, sleep apnea evaluation, heart disease risk assessment and routine blood pressure and cholesterol monitoring. Diabetes screening and mental health and stress management are also imperative.
Too often, men delay routine healthcare visits until symptoms become severe. Regular preventive care allows providers to identify issues early and create personalized wellness plans that support long-term health.
Prevention starts with a conversation. Men’s Health Month is an opportunity to encourage fathers, husbands, brothers, sons, and friends to prioritize their health. Scheduling an annual wellness visit, discussing screenings, and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits are small steps that can make a lasting difference. Preventive care is not just about living longer — it’s about living healthier.
Making men feel more comfortable seeking healthcare is a key point. Many men delay medical care due to discomfort, fear, embarrassment, or simply feeling that they should “push through” symptoms on their own. Creating a healthcare environment where men feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics is an important step toward improving overall health outcomes.
Healthcare providers can help by: encouraging open, judgment-free conversations, normalizing discussions about mental health, sexual health, and aging along with providing education in a straightforward and approachable way. Offering male provider options when available- and avoid negative reactions if this is requested. Do not make the patient feel guilty or embarrassed to ask. Creating welcoming clinic environments that reduce stigma and anxiety can also help reduce stress.
Building trust is essential. When men feel heard, respected, and comfortable asking questions, they are more likely to stay engaged in preventive care and follow through with recommended screenings. Simple conversations can make a major difference. Encouraging men to speak openly about concerns such as fatigue, stress, sleep problems, urinary symptoms, erectile dysfunction, or mental health challenges can lead to earlier diagnosis and better long-term outcomes.
Healthcare should feel like a partnership — one where men feel empowered, supported, and confident taking charge of their health. Sometimes improving men’s health starts with something simple: making it easier for men to walk through the door and have the conversation.
“A man who has health has hope; and a man who has hope has everything.”
— Arabian Proverb