Health experts say many conditions can be prevented or better managed if caught early, but stigma and reluctance to seek help often delay treatment.
"We do see a lot of depression. That's underdiagnosed in men because we're just not likely to ask for help," said Dr. Lance Gault, a Kaiser Permanente Family Medicine physician. "It's once again been conditioned in society that it's just kind of a stigma and something we should just deal with."
Dr. Gault said he frequently treats men for preventable conditions that have progressed to the point of requiring medication because they were not addressed when symptoms first appeared.
He noted that cardiovascular issues, which remain a leading cause of death among men, are commonly seen alongside high blood pressure and diabetes.
Some men recognize the consequences of delaying care firsthand.
"I was ignoring things for a long time, and then I would have pain in my stomach. I came to find out I had a hernia. I had a hernia for like six months," said Fresno resident Raul Loera. "But see us men, we don't want to complain. We don't want to say we're hurt."
Loera said he is now focused on improving his health by staying active and making better lifestyle choices.
"That's walking, playing pickleball, basketball, baseball. Play with your kids. Thirty minutes of walking a day helps you a lot," he said.
Doctors emphasize that regular physical activity and a balanced diet support a healthy weight, improve mood and promote overall well-being.
As men age, they also recommend more frequent checkups to monitor health and catch potential concerns early.
Dr. Gault said younger men should begin establishing care with a physician even before major screenings are required.
"The general population without risk, we start colorectal cancer screening at age 45. We start prostate cancer screening at 50 in men, which is very important. It's important to get baseline blood work completed," he said.
He added that men under 30 should visit a doctor every two to three years to review family history and determine appropriate screenings.
Health experts say routine screenings and consistent lifestyle changes can reduce long-term risks and help maintain quality of life.
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