Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC), a 501(c) (3) nonprofit clinic providing health and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma, promotes a healthy lifestyle during Men’s Health Month.

June is Men’s Health Month and is the perfect time to raise awareness of health issues disproportionately affecting men. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, men are at a greater risk for death in every age group, and the most common causes are heart disease and malignant tumors.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women are 100% more likely than men to visit their provider for annual screenings and preventative services. The CDC also recommends adults aged 50-69 should talk with their doctors about prostate screenings during their annual checkups. Men over 70 should be screened every year.

Some men may feel intimidated by a prostate screening, but they can rest assured that the CDC stopped recommending the digital rectal examination in 2018. Current prostate screenings involve a blood test to examine levels of prostate specific antigen.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer, even though it only affects men. According to the CDC, risk factors include increased age, family history and African ancestry. Symptoms include difficulty starting urination, frequent or painful urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, and blood in the urine or semen.

It’s important to talk to your provider about a prostate screening if any symptoms of prostate cancer are present.

Monitoring your own health can save your life. Keep an eye out for unusual symptoms, and always talk to your provider if something changes.