_jpg.png)
Growing up in the Black community, many of us were handed a definition of manhood forged in survival. We were taught to be strong, to shoulder the weight of our families, to handle our business without complaint, and never to let anyone see us sweat. There is unquestionable honor in that resilience. It is a stoicism that carried our fathers and grandfathers through generations of adversity. But somewhere along the way, we made a mistake: We confused strength with silence.
Think for a moment about how we treat our cars. Most Black men take immense pride in their vehicles. We are diligent — almost religious — about maintenance. We wouldn't dream of driving our car past 3,000 or 5,000 miles without getting the oil changed, checking the fluids, or getting a multi-point inspection. If a little yellow “check engine” light flickers on the dashboard, we take it straight to the auto repair shop because we know that ignoring a small squeak or light today leads to a blown-out engine and an expensive repair tomorrow.
Yet, as men, many of us will go three, five, or even 10 years without stepping foot inside a doctor’s office for a basic physical. When our own bodies give us warning signs like feeling unusually winded going up stairs, persistent headaches, or unexplained fatigue, we turn down the radio, push through the pain, and tell ourselves, “I’m straight.” We treat a piece of machinery that can be replaced with immaculate care, while leaving the only body we will ever get completely unserviced. It’s time we bring that same stewardship and respect we show our cars back to ourselves.
“If you wouldn't drive your car 10,000 miles with the check engine light on, don't drive your body years without lifting the hood. The strongest thing a man can do for his family is stay here.” |
1. The Facts: Understanding Why Black Men Face Higher Health Risks
When looking at public health data, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the statistics surrounding Black men. However, understanding why these health disparities exist is essential. Not to place blame, but to empower us with the facts so we can take proactive control of our well-being.
The primary reasons Black men experience higher rates of chronic conditions come down to clear, understandable factors:
The “Silent” Nature of Common Conditions: High blood pressure (hypertension), early-stage prostate cancer, and colon polyps rarely cause pain in their initial stages. Following the rule, “if it ain't broke, don't fix it” works for a broken chair, but not for internal health. By the time symptoms appear, the condition has often advanced.
Environmental Stress and Daily Pressures: Chronic stress from economic pressures, daily racialized encounters, and high-demand roles raises stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which physically elevates blood pressure and strains the cardiovascular system over time.
Medical Hesitancy and Prior Negative Experiences: Studies published in the academic journal Behavioral Medicine show that delays in getting routine check-ups are frequently connected to past experiences of feeling dismissed or disrespected in healthcare settings. This creates understandable caution, causing many men to put off preventive care.
Lack of Early Detection Habits: Because preventive screenings haven't historically been emphasized in our social circles or barbershops, many brothers only see a clinician when a health crisis occurs, rather than having a consistent healthcare partner.
2. The Core Health Numbers Every Brother Should Know
Walk into any barbershop on a Saturday and you'll hear men passionately discussing sports averages, engine specs, or financial figures. We know our numbers when it comes to things outside of us. Knowing our health statistics is just as essential for keeping us around for the long haul.
Here is where things stand:
Cardiovascular Health: More than 6 in 10 non-Hispanic Black men in the U.S. have high blood pressure. Black men are nearly 60% more likely than White men to die from stroke, and hypertension-related heart disease mortality has been nearly twice as high among Black men as White men. Among Black men ages 30–39, historical data has found rates of kidney failure attributed to high blood pressure approximately 14 times higher than among White men of the same age. Regular blood-pressure checks can help identify hypertension early.
Prostate Cancer Awareness: Black men in the U.S. are nearly 70% more likely than White men to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and are about twice as likely to die from it. Prostate cancer is often highly treatable when detected before it has spread. Black men are considered at higher risk and should discuss prostate cancer screening with their health-care provider, generally beginning that conversation earlier than men at average risk.
Colorectal Cancer Screening: Colorectal cancer is a major cancer concern for Black men, with a lifetime risk of about 1 in 23. Screening can detect colorectal cancer early — and can also prevent some cancers by finding and removing precancerous polyps. For adults at average risk, the American Cancer Society recommends beginning regular colorectal cancer screening at age 45. When colorectal cancer is found early, about 90% of people survive at least five years.
Mental and Emotional Wellness: Research has found that Black people are about 20% more likely than White Americans to experience serious psychological distress, while also being less likely to use mental health services. Suicide deaths in the Black community have also disproportionately involved men. Historical data from 2014 found that approximately 80% of suicide deaths among Black Americans were men. Prioritizing mental and emotional health is an important part of wellness.
3. Your Personal Health Maintenance Schedule
Taking control of your health doesn't require complex medical jargon. Just like following a vehicle maintenance guide, you can follow four straightforward steps:
Know Your Key Numbers: At your annual check-up, ask for your specific readings: blood pressure, total cholesterol, blood glucose, and body mass index. Don't settle for “Everything looks fine.” Know your baseline stats.
Schedule Colorectal Screening at Age 45: All Black adults should begin screening for colorectal cancer at age 45 (or earlier with a family history). Options today include convenient, non-invasive home stool tests as well as standard colonoscopies.
Discuss Prostate PSA Testing at Age 40–45: National guidelines recommend that Black men engage in shared decision-making discussions with their doctor about PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood tests starting at age 45 — or as early as age 40 if prostate cancer runs in your family.
Cultivate Mental & Community Support: Managing stress is physical health care. Engaging with peer support groups, seeking counseling, or joining community initiatives offer comfortable, culturally grounded spaces to recharge.
4. An Encouraging Call to Families and Community Partners
To the women who love Black men — wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, and partners — you are often the primary care architects of our homes. Research shows that the person who successfully encourages a Black man to see a doctor is rarely another clinician, it is a loved one. Asking directly, “When was your last physical? What was your blood pressure reading?” and helping set up appointments is a powerful gift of love.
To our faith leaders, fraternity brothers, barbers, and neighborhood mentors: We must continue bringing health conversations into the places where men gather naturally. When barbershops and churches partner with health advocates, we replace apprehension with community support.
“We don't just want longer reports. We want longer, fuller, healthier lives for our brothers, fathers, and sons.” |
Conclusion: Take Your Health Personally
Through initiatives like the Black Men’s Health Study at Moffitt Cancer Center/USF Health, we are dedicated to listening directly to Black men. Our goal is not to preach or judge, but to support brothers in living long, thriving lives. (To learn more or participate, visit lab.moffitt.org/green and look for the Men’s Health Study).
Brothers, we spend our entire lives working hard to provide for our families, excel in our careers, support our churches, and lift up our neighborhoods. It is time we give ourselves that same care. True strength is not ignoring your body or pushing through pain. True strength is lifting the hood, getting that physical, knowing your numbers, and staying healthy so you can enjoy every moment with the people who count on you.
Our goal is simple: To help Black men live longer, live healthier, and live well.
About the Authors
Dr. B. Lee Green runs the Green Lab at Moffitt Cancer Center, a research team that focuses on ending cancer disparities in underserved communities. Dr. Kevin B. Sneed is a professor in the USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy whose research includes the advanced pharmacological treatment of patients with cardio-metabolic disorders and examining disparities in healthcare.
Op-ed Policy and Submissions
The Power Broker publishes op-eds representing a range of viewpoints. The opinions expressed are the authors' own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Power Broker Media Group or its staff. To submit an op-ed, email us at reachout@powerbrokermagazine.com.