Why Do Men Live 6 Years Less Than Women? Doctors Say It Starts With Skipping Checkups

The Men's Health Gap Is Real

According to CDC data, men in the United States live an average of 6 years fewer than women. They are more likely to die from heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, stroke, and diabetes. Yet despite facing higher health risks across nearly every major category, men are significantly less likely to seek preventive medical care.

Health experts say the gap isn't primarily genetic — it's behavioral. Men are less likely to schedule annual checkups, more likely to delay seeking help when symptoms appear, and more prone to underestimating health risks. The good news: most of the conditions that disproportionately affect men are highly treatable when caught early.

Health Risks Men Should Be Aware Of

Doctors recommend that men pay attention to the following health areas, which account for the majority of preventable male mortality in the U.S.:

• Heart disease — #1 killer of men in the U.S.
• Prostate cancer — most common cancer in men
• Colon cancer — 3rd most common, highly screenable
• Type 2 diabetes — affects men at higher rates
• Lung cancer — tied to higher smoking rates in men
• Stroke — men have strokes at younger ages
• Depression — underdiagnosed in men by over 50%
• Liver disease — linked to higher alcohol consumption

Screenings Every Man Should Get (By Age)

The CDC, American Cancer Society, and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommend the following screenings for men. Most are covered by insurance as part of a standard annual physical:

Blood pressure check (every year) — High blood pressure has no symptoms but is the leading risk factor for heart attack and stroke. All adults should be screened annually.

Cholesterol panel (every 4–6 years, annually if high risk) — LDL cholesterol builds up in arteries silently. A routine blood draw can detect dangerous levels early.

Diabetes screening (age 35+) — The USPSTF recommends glucose or A1C testing for all adults 35 and older, especially those who are overweight. Over 96 million American adults have prediabetes.

Colonoscopy (age 45+) — The American Cancer Society recommends colon cancer screening starting at age 45. Colorectal cancer is the 3rd leading cancer killer in men, but is over 90% treatable when caught early.

Prostate discussion (age 50+, or 40+ if high risk) — The ACS recommends men talk to their doctor about prostate screening. African American men and men with a family history should start the conversation earlier.

Mental health check-in (any age) — Depression and anxiety are significantly underdiagnosed in men. Doctors encourage discussing mood, sleep, and stress during any routine visit.

Simple Habits That Make a Real Difference

Doctors agree that the following lifestyle habits have the greatest evidence-based impact on reducing the health risks men face:

Stay active — The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Walking, swimming, and cycling all count. Regular activity reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and colon cancer.

Eat more whole foods — Diets rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins are linked to lower rates of every major disease that disproportionately kills men.

Get quality sleep — Adults need 7–9 hours per night. Poor sleep is associated with higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. If you snore heavily, talk to your doctor about sleep apnea — it's far more common in men.

Limit alcohol — The CDC defines moderate drinking as no more than 2 drinks per day for men. Excessive alcohol use increases the risk of liver disease, certain cancers, and high blood pressure.

Don't ignore symptoms — Chest pressure, unexplained weight loss, persistent pain, blood in urine or stool, and changes in moles should all prompt a doctor visit. Early detection saves lives.

It Starts With One Appointment

If it's been more than a year since your last checkup — or if you've never had one as an adult — now is the time to schedule one. A standard annual physical includes blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and a general wellness assessment. It takes less than an hour and is covered by most insurance plans.

You don't need symptoms to see a doctor. In fact, the entire point of preventive care is catching problems before symptoms appear. The men who live the longest and healthiest are the ones who show up for routine screenings — consistently.

The Bottom Line

Men don't have to die younger. The life expectancy gap between men and women is not fixed — it's driven largely by avoidable behaviors and missed screenings. Heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are all far more treatable when detected early.

Schedule your annual checkup. Talk to your doctor honestly. Take the screenings seriously. These are small steps that lead to longer, healthier lives.