Minority men face unique health challenges but help is available

Men of color face unique health challenges, but help is available. Men of color in Cleveland face a dangerous myth that could be costing lives: the belief that they must "tough it out" until health problems become unbearable before seeking medical care. Dr. Randy Vince, director of minority men's health at University Hospitals in Cleveland, says this mentality prevents early detection of serious conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and cancer—diseases that often show no symptoms until they reach advanced stages. "Usually it does not matter the medical condition when we're talking about hypertension or high blood pressure, diabetes, or even cancer like prostate cancer. You don't have symptoms until things are really advanced," Vince explained during a recent interview. The consequences extend beyond physical health. Suicide rates are increasing among Black men specifically, a trend Vince calls "very preventable" if men can be connected with mental health resources earlier. "The rates of suicide are actually increasing in black men specifically, and so I think if we can start to again dispel this myth that you can tough it out, I don't need to see a mental health professional, we can actually end up saving a lot of men," he said. ## Breaking down barriers to care Vince emphasizes that men need to understand their relationship with healthcare providers differently. "As physicians we work for you," he said, encouraging patients to seek second opinions and find new doctors if they don't feel heard. For men hesitant about traditional doctor visits, Vince points to alternative options. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants can provide primary care services, and most preventative care is covered 100% by insurance with minimal copays. Men facing Medicaid cuts still have options, according to Vince. County boards of health, city resources, and federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) can connect patients with care and insurance information. Starting at age 40, men should prioritize specific health screenings, Vince advises. Blood pressure checks, diabetes screenings, and cholesterol tests form the foundation of preventative care. Colon cancer and prostate cancer screenings become essential as these are "major cancer killers" with high survival rates when caught early. Mental health deserves equal attention. Vince recommends men start with resources they trust, including faith-based organizations that can connect them with professional help. "Depression, for instance, or anxiety, that is not abnormal," Vince said. "Many men face that, so I think if they can realize that this is not abnormal and you don't have to try to tough it out, you're not in this battle alone." Social determinants of health—factors like poverty, housing conditions, and access to nutritious food—significantly impact both physical and mental wellbeing. Vince points to environmental pollution causing respiratory conditions and limited access to healthy foods as examples of how external factors affect health regardless of medical care. "These social determinants of health all impact our health and it's despite whether or not you just go to the doctor or not," he explained. The stigma around mental health treatment is slowly lifting in communities, but "not fast enough," according to Vince. He encourages men to understand that seeking help demonstrates strength, not weakness. "Leaning into your struggles actually takes a lot of strength, not weakness," he said.