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Men's Health in Kansas: A Wake-Up Call for National Men's Health Month
by Meagan Rico, MSN, RN, CHES
June marks National Men's Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the unique health challenges faced by men and encouraging proactive steps toward better well-being. In Kansas, the data presents a sobering yet actionable picture, underscoring the urgent need for conversation, early detection, and lifestyle changes.
A State of Disparity: Life Expectancy and Leading Risks
Like their national counterparts, Kansas men have a shorter life expectancy than women. This gap reflects not only a matter of years lost, but it also highlights preventable health issues and risk behaviors that men face. The most recent comprehensive health data indicates that heart disease, COVID-19, and drug use disorders are the leading causes of poor health and early death among Kansas men (Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, 2024). In 2021, the state’s age-adjusted death rate was 915.0 per 100,000, higher than the national average, with heart disease being the primary concern. Furthermore, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation released a 2021 report that found countries such as Singapore, Israel, and the Netherlands had a higher life expectancy than Kansas.
Obesity also stands as one of the most significant risk factors for poor health and early death in Kansas. Projections are alarming: by 2050, 85% of Kansas adults and 64% of young people (ages 15–24) are expected to be overweight or obese. Even more concerning, obesity worsens related conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, further compounding health risks.
Mental Health: The Silent Struggle
Mental health remains a critical, often overlooked aspect of men’s well-being. Men are four times more likely than women to die by suicide, and the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified issues such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse (University of Kansas Medical Center, 2024). Societal expectations, such as the pressure to be 'tough' or 'stoic', and stigma often prevent men from seeking help, resulting in higher rates of undiagnosed and untreated mental health conditions.
Preventive Care: The Missed Opportunity
Despite these risks, men in Kansas are less likely than women to seek regular health screenings or preventive care. Over half of men report not receiving regular checkups, and many avoid care due to cost or the perception that seeking help is a sign of weakness. However, regular checkups and screenings are crucial for early detection of conditions, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes. This reluctance often leads to late finding of cancers (such as prostate and testicular cancer), heart disease, and other serious conditions (The University of Kansas Health Systems, n.d.).
Health Disparities: A Closer Look
Not everyone in Kansas has the same chance to be healthy. A person’s race, culture, or how much money they have can make a big difference in their health. For example, diabetes rates are much higher among Hispanic Kansans compared to non-Hispanic white Kansans (36.1% vs. 23.7%), and Black Kansans face higher rates of infant mortality and other adverse outcomes (Kansas Health Matters, n.d.). Addressing these differences is essential for improving men’s health across the state.
A Call to Action: What Can Be Done?
· Start the Conversation: National Men’s Health Month is not just about raising awareness; it's about breaking the silence. Encourage open discussions about physical and mental health at home, work, and in the community. These conversations can lead to understanding, support, and ultimately, better health.
· Prioritize Preventive Care: Early detection saves lives. Regular checkups, cancer screenings, and mental health assessments should be routine for every man.
· Adopt Healthy Habits: Eating well, exercising, managing stress, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol are proven ways to reduce risk.
· Seek Support: Whether from a healthcare provider, counselor, or support group, reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Kansas men face significant health challenges, but the path to better health and a longer life is clear. By embracing actions like preventive care, addressing mental health, and tackling disparities, we can turn the tide, not just during Men’s Health Month but all year long. The true heroism lies in taking charge of your health for yourself, your family, and your community.
Reference
America’s Health Rankings. (2025). 2025 Senior Report: Kansas state summary. https://www.americashealthrankings.org/learn/reports/2025-senior-report/state-summaries-kansas
Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. (2024, December). Kansas: State health profile. https://www.healthdata.org/sites/default/files/2024-12/18_auto_briefings_KS.pdf
Kansas Department of Health and Environment. (n.d.). Kansas health statistics reports. https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1398/Kansas-Health-Statistics-Reports
Kansas Health Matters. (n.d.). Disparities. https://www.kansashealthmatters.org/tiles/index/display?alias=Disparities
Kansas Health Matters. (n.d.). Health indicators search. https://www.kansashealthmatters.org/indicators/index/indicatorsearch?doSearch=1&l=19&t%5B0%5D=11
New Health Kansas. (n.d.). His best: Men’s health in Kansas. https://www.newhealthkansas.com/the-best-you/his-best/
The University of Kansas Health System. (n.d.). Men’s urology health resources. https://www.kansashealthsystem.com/care/specialties/urology/resources/mens-urology-health
University of Kansas Medical Center. (2024). Men’s Health Month: Early detection, mental health are among key topics. https://www.kumc.edu/school-of-medicine/campuses/wichita/about/news/news-archive/mens-health-month-early-detection-mental-health-are-among-key-topics.html
USAFacts. (n.d.). Kansas health statistics. https://usafacts.org/topics/health/state/kansas/
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