By Lana Uhrig, Executive Director of the Cincinnati Cancer Foundation
How a Conversation Could Save Your Life
Growing up in a family with four brothers and a father who were the classic strong, silent types, I learned early on that men communicate their concerns differently than women. It wasn’t that they didn’t feel deeply or worry about things—they just rarely said so out loud. Pain was pushed aside. Fear was swallowed. And vulnerability? That stayed hidden behind humor or silence.
In my father’s case, that silence delayed the care that could have changed everything. He was diagnosed with cancer far too late, in part because he was hesitant to bring up his symptoms. He didn’t want to seem like he was complaining. He didn’t want to worry anyone. And like many men of his generation, he thought waiting it out might somehow make it go away.
Years later, now working in cancer care—and married to a strong, silent type myself—I’ve come to see just how deeply this pattern persists. Too often, men wait too long to speak up. They avoid the doctor, delay screenings, and downplay symptoms. But the cost of that delay can be devastating—not only for individuals and families, but for our healthcare system as a whole.
With a background in nursing and public health, I view Men’s Health Month not just as a personal wellness campaign, but as a critical public health opportunity. When men engage in preventive care, detect disease earlier, and address mental health challenges, the impact ripples outward—reducing healthcare costs, preserving family structures, and increasing years of healthy life in our communities.
Why Men Wait—and Why We Need That to Change
Statistically, men are at greater risk of being diagnosed late in the course of many diseases. For example:
. Men are 24% less likely than women to have visited a doctor in the past year.
. One in three men believes they don’t need annual checkups.
. Depression in men often goes unrecognized or is expressed through anger, withdrawal, or physical symptoms rather than sadness.
This isn’t just a matter of personal reluctance. It’s also about systems that have historically under-prioritized men’s health promotion—and a culture that hasn’t always encouraged open dialogue. Changing that begins with awareness, education, and access.
The Big Four: Cancers Men Should Talk About
Here are four cancers where early detection and timely intervention make a measurable difference:
Prostate Cancer
The most common cancer in men, often with no early symptoms. A Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test is a simple way to screen for changes that might signal a problem.
Colorectal Cancer
Increasing among men under 50. Screening now starts at age 45, or earlier if you have risk factors. This can be done with a colonoscopy or a stool-based test. It’s one of the most preventable—and treatable—cancers when caught early.
Lung Cancer
Often silent in early stages, but highly treatable when detected early with a low-dose CT scan (LDCT)—a special type of X-ray that takes just a few minutes.
Skin Cancer
More common and more deadly in men over 50. Men are also less likely to use sunscreen or visit a dermatologist. Watch for changes in moles or spots and ask your doctor about a full-body skin exam if you’ve had significant sun exposure.
Each of these cancers is easier to treat when caught early. Yet countless lives are lost each year because men don’t speak up or know what to ask.
Longevity Isn’t a Guess—It’s a Strategy
Good health doesn’t come down to luck. It’s built on a foundation of informed choices and steady, sustainable habits. Public health research consistently shows that when men take consistent action in a few key areas, the benefits extend across every domain of life.
Here’s where to start:
1. Make preventive visits a habit, not a reaction.
2. Physical activity reduces cancer risk, boosts mood, and protects your heart.
3. Prioritize whole foods, reduce processed meats and alcohol, and focus on nutrition that supports energy and cellular health.
4. Rest isn’t lazy—it’s essential for repair and resilience.
5. Whether it’s stress, symptoms, or uncertainty, open dialogue leads to timely action—and peace of mind.
When Men Thrive, Families and Communities Thrive
Supporting men’s health isn’t just about helping individuals. It’s about strengthening families, workplaces, and communities. When men live longer, healthier lives, they’re able to be more present for their children, partners, and missions in life. That’s why improving men’s health is not only a clinical goal—it’s a public health imperative.
This Men’s Health Month, we challenge men—and those who love them—to begin with a simple step: start the conversation. Don’t wait for a crisis. Don’t wait for symptoms. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Your Next Step Starts Here
If you or someone you love has received a cancer diagnosis and is looking for guidance, Naples Cancer Advisors provides free, expert consultations to help you navigate your options. Whether you’re seeking a first or second opinion, a referral, or connection to clinical trials, our team is here to support you.
Call 239-846-2273 (CARE) or visit naplescanceradvisors.org
Because being strong isn’t about staying silent.
It’s about showing up—for yourself, and for those who need you.
About Lana Uhrig
Lana Uhrig is the Executive Director of the Cincinnati Cancer Foundation, powering Naples Cancer Advisors and Cincinnati Cancer Advisors. She holds a Ph.D. in Public Health from The Ohio State University with research focused on oral cancer prevention, plus an MBA and Doctorate of Community Leadership from Franklin University, and a Bachelor’s in nursing from Ohio University. Previously serving as Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer at Emory Healthcare-Winship Cancer Institute and Executive Director at University of Cincinnati Cancer Institute, Lana brings over 30 years of healthcare experience. In 2023, she opened Naples Cancer Advisors, providing free platinum-level consultation services to Southwest Florida cancer patients through this 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
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