Men’s Health Month: What You Don’t Know *Can* Hurt You

Men in the U.S. die an average of five years earlier than women. But this isn’t a product of simple biology: in fact, much of the life expectancy gap comes down to conditions that are highly treatable when caught early.

The problem is, men are far less likely than women to seek out preventive care. Recent studies show that 65% of men in the U.S. are behind on at least one routine cancer screening, and nearly 60% do not regularly see a doctor for checkups. As a result, conditions like heart disease and colorectal cancer claim tens of thousands of lives that early detection could have saved.

June is Men's Health Month. There's no better time to promote the screenings that can make all the difference.

The Heart of the Matter: Cardiovascular Screening

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States, responsible for roughly 1 in 4 male deaths each year. Two screenings can change that picture:

• Coronary calcium score CT uses a quick, non-invasive scan to detect calcium deposits (plaque) in the arteries surrounding the heart, often years before any symptoms appear.
• General cardiovascular risk screening should be part of every man’s routine care. The American Heart Association recommends blood pressure checks at least every two years starting at age 20, and a full lipid panel by age 35 (or earlier for those with risk factors).

Cancer Screenings Every Man Should Know About

• Colon cancer screening is generally recommended starting at age 45. Colonoscopy can detect and remove precancerous polyps during the same procedure.
• PSA blood testing may help identify prostate cancer earlier. Men should discuss timing with their physician based on personal and family history.
• Low-dose chest CT screening is recommended for adults ages 50–80 with a significant smoking history. It may also benefit people in occupations with increased carcinogen exposure, including firefighters and first responders, at an earlier age.

Green Imaging Helps Streamline the Path to Preventive Care

Most men who are diagnosed with a preventable condition wish they'd been screened sooner. Green Imaging exists to make that process easier. We offer affordable, evidence-based screenings designed around what actually matters, without unnecessary tests that drive up costs and anxiety. For patients 40 and older, our Year 1 package delivers five key assessments from one low-dose chest CT. Future screenings are built around patient results, not a one-size-fits-all checklist.

This Men’s Health Month, explore what accessible preventive screening could mean for the men in your workforce. Contact us today.