Men’s Health Month, celebrated in June, is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of men prioritizing their health. James Williams Jr., a prostate cancer survivor, shares his story to encourage men to get regular screenings and take care of themselves. At age 39, despite being in good shape and running marathons, Williams was urged by his late wife to get a prostate screening as part of his annual physical. Despite receiving conflicting advice from doctors, he eventually found a specialist who diagnosed him with prostate cancer. Today, Williams credits catching the disease early and receiving the right treatment for saving his life.
Williams now advocates for men aged 45 and older to get screened for prostate cancer, along with other important screenings such as colonoscopies, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Dr. Stuart Bell, a primary care doctor and medical director, emphasizes the importance of personalized care and shared decision-making when it comes to screenings. He recommends men start getting prostate and colon screenings by age 45 or earlier if there is a family history of these diseases.
In addition to prostate and colon cancer screenings, Dr. Bell mentions testicular cancer for younger men and lung cancer for smokers as important health concerns that should be taken into account when making informed decisions about preventive care. By promoting preventive care and early detection through Men’s Health Month, we hope to empower men to take charge of their health and lead healthier lives.
According to Dr. Bell,”Preventive care is key in maintaining overall health well-being.” He recommends that men should have regular check-ups with their healthcare providers at least once annually or more frequently if they are at high risk for certain conditions like heart disease or diabetes.
“It’s important for men to understand that taking care of their health doesn’t stop after a certain age,” says Dr. Bell.”Everyone has unique needs when it comes to healthcare.”
Williams agrees with Dr. Bell that personalized care is essential when it comes to preventive care.”I learned firsthand how crucial it is
