NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / June 30, 2026 / Originally published on CVS Health Company Newsroom
Key points
Many men develop silent risks for heart disease and certain cancers sooner than they may realize.
Preventive screenings can catch issues early, yet men are less likely than women to seek routine care.
CVS Health offers convenient ways to get screened - from walk in clinics to virtual care and mobile health vans
Why health screenings matter
Taking care of health doesn't have to be complicated - but it does need to be consistent. Regular screenings can identify potential issues before symptoms appear.
"Most of the conditions we worry about in men develop quietly. Screenings give us a chance to catch issues early, when treatment is simpler and outcomes are far better," says David Fairchild, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Retail Health at CVS Health.
Conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and some cancers often develop undetected. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, and men tend to develop cardiovascular disease at younger ages than women.1, 2
The average age of a first heart attack is about 65 for men, compared to 72 for women.3 Nearly 1 in 5 heart attacks occurs without clear symptoms - making routine screenings essential.3
Preventive care is about staying well, not just treating illness. Screenings help detect issues early, prevent complications, and provide a clearer picture of overall health.
What early detection can look like
Across care settings, routine screenings often uncover important risks - sometimes when individuals feel completely fine:
A firefighter in his 20s learns during a routine screening that he has dangerously high blood pressure, allowing him to take action before long-term damage occurs.
A busy administrator in his 40s discovers elevated blood sugar levels at a preventive visit, leading to early diabetes management and reduced risk of complications.
A retired teacher in his 60s completes a colorectal cancer screening that detects an issue early, when treatment is most effective.
While these illustrative scenarios differ, they point to a shared takeaway: Screening needs change with age and risk - and accessible, convenient care makes it easier to stay on track. Knowing what to check, and when, helps men take a more proactive role in their health.
What men should prioritize for better health at every age
Preventive care isn't one-size-fits-all-but there is a set of recommended core screenings men should stay on top of throughout adulthood, regardless of age. These foundational screenings help track overall health, catch early risk factors, and guide timely care decisions.