Every June, Men’s Health Month in Canada shines a spotlight on something that too often gets overlooked: men’s preventive health. While Canadian men are known to be strong, hardworking, and resilient, they’re also more likely than women to delay seeing a doctor, ignore symptoms, and skip routine health checks.
The result? Preventable diseases caught too late.
This article breaks down the 5 essential checkups every Canadian man should get, why they matter, and when to get them. Whether you’re 25, 45, or 65, taking a proactive approach to your health can literally save your life.
1. Prostate Exam (PSA Test & DRE)
Why It Matters
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian men, with about 1 in 8 being diagnosed in their lifetime. Fortunately, it’s also highly treatable when caught early.
What to Expect
- PSA Test: A blood test that checks for prostate-specific antigen levels
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A quick physical exam to check for abnormalities
Most men should begin screening at age 50, but if you have a family history or are of African or Caribbean descent, talk to your doctor about starting at age 45.
How to Prepare
- No special prep needed—just book the test with your doctor
- PSA test is simple and covered by most provincial plans when medically necessary
2. Blood Pressure & Heart Health Screening
Why It Matters
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is called the “silent killer” for a reason. It often has no symptoms but increases your risk for heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure.
Nearly 1 in 4 adult Canadian men have high blood pressure—and many don’t even know it.
What to Expect
- A quick arm-cuff blood pressure test (takes 2 minutes)
- Your doctor may also check cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and ask about your diet and activity level
This screening should begin in your 20s and continue every 1–2 years, or more often if you’re at risk.
How to Prepare
- Avoid coffee and smoking an hour before the test
- Track your results over time and aim for a BP under 120/80 mmHg
3. Colorectal Cancer Screening
Why It Matters
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men in Canada—but it’s also one of the most preventable with early detection.
Men aged 50 to 74 are advised to get screened every 2 years, even if they have no symptoms.
What to Expect
- Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT): An easy, at-home test that checks for blood in stool
- If the FIT test is positive, a colonoscopy will follow for further investigation
How to Prepare
- Pick up a free FIT kit from your doctor or pharmacy in most provinces
- Complete it at home and mail it in—results are returned within 2 weeks
4. Mental Health Check-In
Why It Matters
Canadian men are less likely to seek help for mental health struggles, yet are three times more likely to die by suicide compared to women. That’s a staggering reality—and one we must address openly.
Whether it’s stress, depression, anxiety, burnout, or isolation, your mental health matters as much as your physical health.
What to Expect
- A conversation with your family doctor
- Possible screening questionnaires for anxiety and depression
- Referrals to counselling, therapy, or community mental health programs
Mental health screening should be ongoing—especially during life transitions, after loss, or when under prolonged stress.
How to Prepare
- Be honest with your provider
- Recognize that needing help isn’t weakness—it’s strength
5. Testicular Exam & Self-Checks
Why It Matters
Testicular cancer is rare but most common in men between ages 15 and 35. The good news? It’s highly curable, especially when caught early.
What to Expect
- Your doctor will perform a quick physical exam
- You’ll also be shown how to do self-checks at home monthly—ideally during or after a warm shower
Look for lumps, swelling, or changes in shape or consistency. Don’t wait—see your doctor if anything feels off.
How to Prepare
- Be aware of your body’s normal baseline
- Don’t feel awkward—this is routine and quick
Bonus: Other Important Screenings for Canadian Men
These five checkups are essential—but they’re not the whole picture. Here are a few other important screenings that men should also consider:
- Skin checks: Especially for those who work outdoors or have fair skin
- Hearing tests: Especially after 60 or if exposed to loud work environments
- Eye exams: Every 1–2 years for general health and glaucoma screening
- Diabetes screening: Starting at age 40 or earlier if overweight or at-risk
- Vaccinations: Including flu, tetanus, shingles (age 50+), and COVID-19 boosters
How to Make Men’s Health a Priority (Not an Afterthought)
Let’s face it: between work, family responsibilities, and day-to-day stress, men often put health on the back burner.
Here’s how to change that mindset:
- Schedule checkups like you would a car tune-up—it’s maintenance, not repair
- Go with a buddy—check in with friends and encourage each other
- Make it routine—tie screenings to a birthday month or life milestones
- Use workplace health benefits—many include annual checkups or virtual care
- Talk about it—your story might encourage someone else to speak up too
Why It All Matters: Men’s Health Month Is More Than a Reminder
Men’s Health Month isn’t just a calendar event—it’s a call to action. A moment to pause, reflect, and choose your health today so you can enjoy more years, more adventures, and more time with the people you love.
Prevention works. Early detection works. And your health is worth the 30-minute appointment you’ve been putting off.
Final Thoughts
Every Canadian man—regardless of age, background, or lifestyle—deserves access to quality preventive care. Whether it’s a simple blood pressure check or a mental health conversation, these small steps add up to big changes.
So this Men’s Health Month, book that checkup. Start the conversation. Be the example for your brother, your son, your father, or your friends.
Because real strength is taking care of yourself—body and mind.
