In 2023, the Cleveland Clinic revealed a concerning statistic: over 60% of men avoid visiting the doctor, even when they know they should, indicating a lack of prioritization regarding health. During Men's Health Month, we’re aiming to better understand men’s knowledge when it comes to their health and highlight the need for more education on disease warning signs for prostate cancer, which affects 1 in 7 men.
Are older men, who are more susceptible to getting cancer, more aware than young men? Is there a generational divide in how men perceive their health risks and the importance of regular check-ups, or is this neglect of proactive health measures consistent across all age groups?
Our findings give us an inside look at what that breakdown looks like.
Methodology: We surveyed 1,000 males ages 25 to 77 in the U.S.. The survey was fielded from April 26 to May 15, 2024.
Proactivity and More Awareness Needed In Men’s Health
Our report found that there’s a lack of understanding when it comes to identifying the warning signs of cancer and many men are neglecting preventative screenings like prostate exams and other preventative measures that could potentially save lives or reduce severities. These findings speak to a larger trend in the American health system which relies on sick care or reactive care to address health concerns leading to less successful interventions, an increased risk of negative outcomes and higher health costs. Key data points from the report reveal:
- 51% of men are unaware of the warning signs of prostate cancer.
- More than half (53%) of men have not undergone a prostate exam or PSA test in the last 3-5 years.
- 58% of men do not practice self-examinations (such as testicular self-exams) regularly (i.e. once a month)
Silent Risk: Education of Cancer Warning Signs and Men’s Health
Most men are diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 65 or older according to the American Cancer Society. Yet, almost half (46.4%) of baby boomers (born between 1946 - 1964) do not know the warning signs of prostate cancer. Despite being the most at-risk group for prostate cancer, baby boomers rank second, after Generation Z (born between 1997 - 2012), for not performing monthly self-examinations for prostate cancer. While less likely than older age groups to get diagnosed with prostate cancer, 69% of millennials (born between 1981 - 1996) have neglected prostate exams or PSA tests in the last 3 to 5 years.
Similar to baby boomers, Generation X (born between 1965 - 1980) has begun entering the target age group for prostate cancer diagnoses. Our data report found that:
- 53% of Generation X men don’t know the warning signs of prostate cancer.
- 58% of Generation X men do not practice self-examinations (such as testicular self-exams) regularly (i.e. once a month).
- 52% of Generation X men have not completed or scheduled a prostate exam and/or PSA test in the last 3-5 years.
How Proactive Health Can Save Men's Lives
The data from our survey paints a clear picture: there needs to be more education about proactive health. It’s evident that the lack of knowledge and interest in current screening options is a result of the current healthcare system's lack of support in promoting proactive healthcare. The system, being predominantly reactive, fails to prioritize preventative care and early detection. This “wait and see” approach often results in missed opportunities for early intervention, ultimately leading to poorer health outcomes and higher medical costs.
Insurance coverage is pivotal for accessibility, and it’s encouraging to note that 92% of Generation X men want their insurer to cover medical treatments such as a proactive MRI. This statistic underscores the age group’s desire to take charge of their health.
We are actively working to demonstrate the value of proactive whole-body MRI screenings to the insurance industry. Our goal is to expedite this process compared to other now-routine tests like mammograms, which took almost a century for widespread insurance adoption. Ultimately, this will primarily rely on heightened awareness and action in the cultural zeitgeist, starting within the medical community and extending to all social spheres capable of contributing to progress.
Through the holistic view of the body we provide through proactive MRI, patients can significantly reduce their health risks by staying informed about any significant findings. Whether it's identifying potential issues early on or establishing a baseline for health and making lifestyle changes to improve it, our mission at Prenuvo is clear: to empower patients to take control of their health journey. This Men's Health Month and beyond, we are committed to raising awareness about men's health issues and providing the tools and support necessary for a healthier future.
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