Shame. Pride. Machismo. Stigma. Embarrassment. Perceived isolation.
These words represent just some of the many reasons that a growing number of men are reluctant to seek professional healthcare and other medical services. According to studies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men are on average 33% less likely to go to a doctor for a check-up. Men have also become statistically more susceptible to cardiovascular disease, pancreatic cancer and even diabetes when compared to women.
To help close this gap, Kaiser Permanente has continued its support (along with other healthcare providers) to champion Men’s Health Month this June.
Originally recognized as Men’s Health Week, the U.S. Congress designated the month of June as Men’s Health Month following legislation passed during the Clinton administration in 1994. Since then, the month has been a time to raise awareness and discussions regarding the disconnect between men and the medical attention they need, and how to remedy the situation.
For Dr. Adam Brown, DO, an emergency physician for Kaiser Permanente-San Leandro, it is all too common to see men wait until a medical emergency sends them to the emergency room as opposed to making appointments with a personal doctor.
“If you need emergency services, it’s obviously important to [go to the emergency room], but what’s even better is having a regular doctor that you go to consistently,” says Brown.
Brown also states the importance of men getting crucial examinations such as prostate exams, colonoscopies and testicular exams, despite how intrusive these procedures may seem.
“I’ve had patients try to avoid certain examinations or maybe even lie about where the pain [in their body] is….perhaps because it might be a little embarrassing, but it’s important that we know exactly where it hurts,” adds Brown. “Some men might not like to talk about having to get up to pee multiple times a night but something like that can be an indicator of a bigger problem.”
Brown says that outdated gender stereotypes such as the belief that seeking medical attention or discussing intimate topics such as having difficulty getting erections may be seen as “weak” or “taboo,” but that such discussions are absolutely vital.
Despite years of previous setbacks, more men are now achieving their health goals thanks in part to changing cultural norms. Advertising campaigns such as “Don’t Die of Embarrassment” and “Movember” have used humor and the challenge of growing facial hair to raise awareness for common maladies affecting men such as prostate and colon cancer.
Shows such as the popular Netflix series Baby Reindeer have given representation to male survivors of physical and sexual abuse seeking to heal. As discussions of dismantling toxic masculinity and generational trauma continue, so will the fight for men’s health.
“As men we’re not alone in this,” says Brown. “Our health affects the health of our partners and other people who count on us. These things no longer need to be swept under the table, if we catch things before they start we have a better chance.”
Men’s Health Month 2026 Resources
https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/southern-california/health-wellness/healtharticle.why-mens-health-matters-to-everyone
https://www.wannatalkaboutit.com/sexual-violence/#hero
https://us.movember.com
https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/the-silent-burden-of-prostate-cancer-why-men-often-miss-the-early-warning-signs-article-154613560
