Men's Health
Take Control of Your Health
As your guide to better health, Buckeye wants to help you live a long and healthy life. Did you know that men live on average five years less than women? They are more likely than women to die from major health conditions, including heart disease and cancer — also the top two causes of death for men. Buckeye encourages men to make their health a priority by staying up-to-date on preventive healthcare appointments and screenings.
Stay up-to-date on your annual well check
Only 40 percent of men get an annual check-up, only 12 percent turn to a doctor first when they have a health issue and only two-in-five go to the doctor when they fear they have a serious medical condition. Getting an annual well visit helps you detect health challenges before serious symptoms occur.
Buckeye makes it easy to make and keep your appointment. Buckeye members get:
- $50 in My Health Pays® rewards for completing an annual well visit
- $75 for certain cancer screenings, like colorectal cancer
- Free medical care at no cost to them
- Access to quality doctors and help finding one with our “Find a Provider” tool
- Free transportation to and from doctor’s appointments
Learn about Common Health Conditions that Affect Men
Heart disease and cancer are the most common health challenges for men. When detected early, treatment options are available. Learn about each:
Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men—accounting for about one in four male deaths. Sometimes heart disease may be “silent” and not diagnosed until you experience signs or symptoms of a heart attack, heart failure, or arrhythmia. Even if you have no symptoms, you may still be at risk for heart disease.
Cancer
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in men and men have higher rates of getting and dying from cancer than women. The cancers that most often affect men are prostate, colon, lung, and skin cancers. Preventing and detecting these cancers early can help save your life.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men, except for skin cancers. The chance of getting prostate cancer goes up as a man gets older. African American men and men who have close relatives with prostate cancer are more likely to develop it. The American Cancer Society recommends men talk with their doctor at age 50 about getting tested for prostate cancer so they can make an informed decision on testing. Those with first-degree relatives diagnosed with prostate cancer should talk to their doctor at age 40.
Lung Cancer is the second most common cancer in men, but the leading cause of death. Cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer and is linked to about 80 to 90 percent of lung cancer deaths. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends yearly lung cancer screenings for people who have a history of heavy smoking, smoke now or have quit within the past 15 years, and are between 55 and 80 years old.
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer for men. However, it is beatable in 90 percent of cases when it’s found early — and through screening — it’s even preventable. Men should get routine colonoscopies starting at age 50 to detect it.
Why men often die earlier than women.
Harvard Health Publishing. The Heart Attack Gender Gap. April 2016.
National Cancer Institute. Cancer Statistics.
CDC.Gov Lung Cancer Risk Factors
CDC.Gov Gove Lung Cancer Screening Information
Colorectal Cancer Alliance. Statistics and Risk Factors. Retrieved September 29, 2019