Men and women are vulnerable to many of the same diseases, but the prognosis for men is often worse than it is for women. According to WebMD, out of the 15 leading causes of death, men lead women in just about all of them (the lone exception is Alzheimer’s disease). Although it may not be possible to prevent every illness or condition, knowledge of the issues that affect men can encourage them to take a proactive approach to improve their health.

Cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease is a major issue for men. The American Heart Association suggests that heart disease is likely to remain the world’s leading cause of death. In the United States alone, heart disease is responsible for one in four deaths among men. Half of those individuals have no symptoms to alert them to problems. Health experts at Mercy Medical Center say smoking, obesity, diabetes, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol consumption contribute to cardiovascular disease. Men should routinely have their blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked, and have frank conversations with doctors about heart disease risk.

Lung cancer

Lung cancer is a significant concern for men. Lung cancer can spread early, usually before it grows large enough to cause symptoms or even show up on diagnostic testing. WebMD says tobacco smoke causes 90 percent of all lung cancers. Fewer men now die of lung cancer thanks to falling smoking rates, but more work is needed. Men and women alike should realize the most effective way to avoid lung cancer is to never smoke.

Diabetes

More than half a billion people around the world have diabetes, offers the Cleveland Clinic. And the numbers keep growing. Left untreated, high blood sugar levels can lead to heart disease. Lifestyle changes and medications can help people manage diabetes and decrease the risk of disease progression and serious illness.

Prostate cancer

Although the prostate is only the size of a walnut, it is vulnerable as men age. Apart from skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. WebMD says close to 200,000 men will develop prostate cancer this year in the United States. Although many prostate cancers are slow-growing, others can be aggressive, so abnormalities in health should always be discussed with doctors who can map out a plan and see if treatment is necessary.

Testicular cancer

According to Dr. Daniel Sullivan of the Cleveland Clinic, testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men between the ages 15 and 35. Testicular cancer is very treatable if caught early. The most common sign of testicular cancer is a painless lump in the testicle.

Recognition of issues threatening their overall health can help men take steps to live longer and healthier.