Finding Care

Men's Health Month: No symptoms doesn't mean no risk. Here's what to check.

Published June 25, 2026

June is Men’s Health Month and at SchoolCare, we believe that a healthy workforce starts with healthy individuals. Research shows that men are 50% less likely to see a doctor, get screened, or ask for help. This month, let's change that.

Start with preventive care

Most men haven’t seen a doctor in over a year – change that this month by scheduling an annual physical or wellness screening.

Preventive care is about catching problems before they become emergencies. The most important step you can take is scheduling a routine physical with your primary care provider (PCP). If you don’t have one:

• Use the Find Care and Costs menu in your myCigna account or call the number on the back of your ID card for assistance in finding one.
• You can also schedule a virtual wellness screening through MDLIVE and complete your preventive care (with the exception of lab work) without even having to leave the house.

What your annual wellness visit may cover:

• Full physical exam
• Lab work orders
• Immunizations history review
• A review of current medications and any side effects.
• Recommendations for follow-up care

Don’t forget your eye and dental health

As a SchoolCare/Cigna participant, you have a covered annual eye exam. Each SchoolCare member group handles dental coverage individually. SchoolCare-sponsored plans include at least one exam and at least two cleanings per plan year. Refer to your specific coverage for details on your dental benefits. Check out these oral health tips from Cigna specifically for men.

Cancer screenings: Know your risks

Many of the most common cancers men face are highly treatable when caught early. Talk to your PCP about which of these screenings are right for your age and risk profile.

• Prostate cancer (PSA test) – Discuss prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening with your doctor starting at age 50, or discuss with your provider if you have a family history.
• Colorectal cancer – Screening starts at age 45. A colonoscopy every 10 years is often recommended, but frequency may vary based on personal health and family history. Stool-based tests are also effective alternatives if recommended by your provider.
• Lung cancer – Annual low-dose CT scan recommended for men aged 50-80 who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.
• Skin cancer – Annual full-body skin checks, especially if you have a history of significant sun exposure, fair skin, or family history of melanoma.
• Testicular cancer – Most common in men ages 15-35. Know what’s normal and report any changes, lumps, or heaviness to your provider promptly.

Most preventive visits (including those with MDLIVE) and cancer screenings are fully covered by your SchoolCare health benefits when you see an in-network provider. Need more information? Check the Coverage menu at mCigna.com for more about covered services or call the number on the back of your ID card (can also be found in your myCigna portal if you don’t have a physical card.)

This preventive health flyer from UCLA Health can help guide provide an overview of screenings and vaccines you may want to talk about with your provider based on your age and health history.

Know the signs of mental illness

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, men are significantly less likely than women to seek mental health support – yet they account for nearly 80% of suicides in the United States. Stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout don’t make you weak. Asking for help is a sign of strength.

Being able to recognize the signs is important as they may not look as you expect.

What you can do

• Talk to your PCP. Your primary care provider can screen for depression and anxiety and refer you to a mental health professional.
• Use your Employee Assistance Program. Your EAP offers with free, confidential counseling sessions and multiple providers that offer no and low-cost support.
• Login to myCigna and explore your mental health services. One of the best ways to do this is to click on Mental Health Support under the Wellness menu and complete the assessment that can help direct you to services and/or providers who meet your needs for your personal circumstances. You have coverage for in-person and virtual mental health care.
• Crisis support. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) anytime, 24/7.

Hypertension, obesity & diabetes: Manage the big three

High blood pressure, excess weight, and type 2 diabetes are three of the most prevalent health conditions among men – and they’re intrinsically linked. Each one raises your risk for heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. That said, all three respond well to early intervention and as a SchoolCare participant, you may be eligible for support from Omada for assistance with one or all three conditions.

Hypertension (high blood pressure)

• Know your numbers. Normal is below 120/80. High blood pressure rarely causes symptoms, which is why it’s called the “silent killer.” Get checked at every visit.
• Act early. Lifestyle changes like reducing sodium, limiting alcohol, exercising regularly, and managing stress can often control blood pressure without medication.
• Take medication consistently. If prescribed medication, be sure to adhere to the dosage instruction. Stopping early is one of the most common reasons blood pressure returns to dangerous levels.

Obesity and weight management

• BMI is a starting point. A BMI over 30 is classified as obese and raises risk for dozens of conditions.
• Make small, sustainable changes.  A 5-10% reduction in body weight can meaningfully reduce blood pressure, blood sugar, and joint stress.

Type 2 diabetes

• Get screened. Diabetes screening (blood glucose or A1C) is recommended starting at age 35, or earlier if you have risk factors like obesity, family history, or high blood pressure.
• Prediabetes is reversible. More than 80 million Americans have prediabetes and most don’t know it. Caught early, it can often be reversed through diet and exercise.
• If diagnosed. Medication, diet, and regular monitoring can keep diabetes well-managed and prevent serious complications like nerve damage, vision loss, and kidney disease.

You have support options available:

• Apply to Omada to see if you qualify for 1-on-1 coaching and support for pre-diabetes, diabetes, and/or hypertension.
• Check out additional nutrition support programs like Nourish or Foodsmart, both covered with your SchoolCare/Cigna health benefits.
• Connect with a local nutritionist.
• Contact a Cigna health coach to talk about your health concerns and goals and put a plan in place to address them.

Musculoskeletal health: Keep moving for good health

Musculoskeletal (MSK) problems like back pain, joint issues, and injuries are among the leading causes of missed work and reduced quality of life for men. Many are preventable or manageable with the right habits and early attention. If you are suffering from chronic pain or pain from a recent injury, you have help with Hinge Health.

This virtual, exercise therapy program is available to all SchoolCare/Cigna participants ages 18 and older. It offers in-home physical therapy with 1-on-1 support from a coach and/or physical therapist and additional consultation and support if you are considering surgery, and post-surgical support if needed.

Read more about MSK health for men from our partners at Hinge Health.

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