The Congressional Men’s Health Caucus:
Congress Reaffirms National Men’s Health Week During Men’s Health Month
The timing couldn’t be better. As the country marks Men’s Health Month this June, Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. (D-LA), Co-Chair of the Congressional Men’s Health Caucus, has introduced a bipartisan House Resolution recognizing National Men’s Health Week (June 9–15, 2025). This renewed Congressional action underscores the urgency and significance of bringing men’s health issues to the forefront, not just for this week, but year-round.
As the lead organization behind National Men’s Health Week since its establishment in 1994, Men’s Health Network (MHN) welcomes this show of bipartisan support and the recommitment to improving health outcomes for men and boys. The resolution recognizes not only the preventable causes of illness and death among men, but also the persistent stigma and cultural obstacles that prevent them from getting care in the first place.
Rep. Carter said it plainly:
“As a father, I think about the future my sons will inherit, and that includes making sure I’m here for it. Too many men across this country are skipping checkups, ignoring symptoms, and needlessly losing years of their lives. National Men’s Health Week is not just about awareness, it’s about action. It’s about telling every man, every father, every son: your health matters. Early detection saves lives. Preventive care isn’t optional, it’s essential. I’m proud to introduce this resolution because it’s time we change the conversation around men’s health and help more men live longer, healthier lives for the people who count on them most.”
That message is at the core of Men’s Health Month, a nationwide awareness campaign that Men’s Health Network leads every June to shine a spotlight on the health issues impacting men and boys. From heart disease and prostate cancer to mental health and testicular cancer, the barriers men face in accessing and prioritizing their health are widespread, and too often deadly.
Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA), also a Co-Chair of the Men’s Health Caucus, added,
“As a physician, I understand the critical importance of men’s health. I’m proud to Co-Chair the Congressional Men’s Health Caucus and support this resolution recognizing National Men’s Health Week. We must encourage men to prioritize their well-being, seek preventive care, and be proactive about their health. Early detection and regular checkups can save lives and ensure men are there for their families and communities. Let’s use this week to raise awareness, break down stigmas, and promote a culture of health and longevity for all men.”
The statistics cited in the resolution are stark.
Men continue to live an average of more than five years less than women, with African American and Native American men facing the lowest life expectancy in the country. Leading causes of death, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, kill men at higher rates than women. Alarmingly, suicide is among the top 10 causes of death for men and ranks as the second highest cause of death for males ages 1 through 19 and 20 through 44.
Congressman Ted Lieu (D-CA), a Vice Chair of the Men’s Health Caucus, pointed to education and access as critical tools:
“Knowing early warning signs and getting regular checkups are essential for men to live healthy lives. We need to make sure men have the education and access to care they need. I’m pleased to join my colleagues in the Men’s Health Caucus to support Men’s Health Week and raise awareness for men’s health issues.”
Far too many of these deaths are preventable. The resolution notes that testicular cancer, one of the most common cancers among men aged 15 to 34, has a 95% survival rate when detected early. Yet most men don’t perform regular self-exams or discuss warning signs with their doctors. Similarly, over 313,000 men are expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2025 alone, with nearly 36,000 deaths projected.
Even with accessible screening tools like the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, blood pressure checks, cholesterol screens, and testicular self-exams, too many men remain disengaged from routine preventive care. A 2019 Cleveland Clinic MENtion It Survey found that 65% of men wait as long as possible before seeing a doctor for symptoms or injuries. Among men ages 35–54, that number jumps to 72%.
Rep. Rob Menendez (D-NJ), another Vice Chair of the Caucus, reinforced the need for cultural change.
“As a country, we need to improve the conversation around men’s health, and together, we’re working to make that happen. By commemorating National Men’s Health Week, we can take an important step to encourage men across the country to prioritize their wellbeing and seek preventative care for both physical and mental health. I’m grateful to my colleagues on the Men’s Health Caucus for leading this important effort.”
The data also point to disproportionate burdens among racial and ethnic minorities. African American and Hispanic men have higher rates of chronic disease, such as diabetes and obesity, and are less likely to seek professional care. African American men are also nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and more than twice as likely to die from it compared to white men.
This disparity underscores the message at the heart of this year’s Men’s Health Month theme:
“Bring Empathy Back: Men Fight Battles We Can’t Always See.”
The resolution aligns with this message by calling out the hidden barriers men face, including stigma, lack of insurance, high out-of-pocket costs, and fear or embarrassment about seeking care.
Rep. Neal Dunn (R-FL), a physician and Vice Chair of the Caucus, said:
“Men’s Health Week is an opportunity to erase the stigma surrounding men’s health and encourage American men to be open and proactive about their health needs. Men’s health is a crucial area of healthcare that often goes overlooked by policymakers and the public and I am proud to shine some light on this important topic.”
The Congressional resolution also highlights that all 50 state governors and hundreds of mayors have issued proclamations supporting Men’s Health Week. These proclamations power local engagement and community-led events across the nation, from barbershop screenings and workplace wellness seminars to school-based awareness campaigns and faith-based health fairs.
Congress established National Men’s Health Week in 1994, and over the past 30 years, it has helped shift the narrative by bringing men’s health issues out of the shadows. Still, more must be done. This resolution not only supports the observance of Men’s Health Week but requests that the President issue a proclamation calling on all Americans to take part in meaningful ceremonies and activities.
Men’s Health Network encourages everyone, men and their families, healthcare providers, and employers, to act on this momentum.
Visit www.menshealthmonth.org to view state and local proclamations, access health tools, and find ideas for engagement.
This June, let’s make the most of Men’s Health Month. Schedule a check-up, start a conversation, share your story, and wear blue to show your support. Join us in closing the empathy gap and reminding every man:
Your health is worth it.
To get involved, sign up for our newsletter, become a Men’s Health Ambassador, or donate to support our work at www.menshealthnetwork.org
