Men’s Health Myths and Facts: What You Need to Know

When it comes to health, misinformation can be just as dangerous as illness itself —especially for men. Cultural norms and myths shape how many men view their overall health, often discouraging them from seeking help, expressing vulnerability, or prioritizing preventive care.

Approximately 60% of the men who responded to a recent Cleveland Clinic survey said they avoid going to the doctor as long as possible, and 20% reported that they had not been completely honest with their doctors at least once.

Medical avoidance, withholding relevant information and misinformation can lead to serious health consequences. To celebrate Men’s Health Week this June, we are debunking some of the most prevalent myths surrounding men’s health and encouraging men to stay on top of their physical and mental health.

Myth 1: More men die from prostate cancer than from any other cancer.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women in the United States. However, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, and it is the second leading cause of cancer death. The American Cancer Society estimates that one in 44 men will die from prostate cancer, and one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Prostate cancer is rarer in men under 40, but the chance of getting it rises quickly after age 50.

Myth 2: Men do not get breast cancer.

Most breast cancer patients are indeed women. But men can also get breast cancer and die from it. The American Cancer Society predicts that about 2,800 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among men and 510 men will die from it in the U.S in 2025. The risk of men getting breast cancer is currently one in 726, but that can increase depending on specific risk factors such as a family history of breast cancer, inherited genes, lifestyle choices or other health problems. Men who have breast cancer are about 72 years old on average when they receive a diagnosis.

Myth 3: Osteoporosis doesn’t affect men.

Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease in the U.S. While it’s true that women are at a higher risk, men also get osteoporosis. The National Osteoporosis Foundation reports that approximately two million American men already have osteoporosis, and about 12 million more are at risk. Up to one in four men over age 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis, and men older than 50 are more likely to break a bone due to osteoporosis than they are to get prostate cancer.

Myth 4: Men don’t experience menopause.

Aging means hormone changes, but they present differently in men than women. The term “male menopause” describes decreasing testosterone levels or a reduction in the bioavailability of testosterone in men related to aging. In men, hormones decline more gradually than in women — about 1% after age 40, according to the Mayo Clinic. The effects include changes in sexual function, energy level, mood and sleep patterns. Hormone changes may also result in physical differences such as increased body fat, loss of hair or tender breasts.

Myth 5: Colorectal cancer is a man’s disease, and it can’t be prevented.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 24 for men and 1 in 26 for women.

The good news is that most colorectal cancers can be prevented. Colorectal cancer almost always starts with a small growth called a polyp, which may not cause symptoms early on. Screening tests like a colonoscopy can identify polyps early so physicians can remove them, stopping colorectal cancer before it starts. Reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by getting screened regularly starting at age 45. Early detection saves lives.

Raising Awareness of Men’s Health Issues

In conclusion, dispelling the myths surrounding men’s health is not just about correcting misinformation — it’s about saving lives. Cultural stigmas prevent many men from seeking timely medical care, being honest with their doctors and taking preventive health measures seriously. Those measures include regular checkups and cancer screening tests with your North Oaks provider.

To schedule an appointment with Northshore Urological Associates, call (985) 230-2778.