But after menopause, women are as likely as men to have heart attacks. Osteoporosis Both men and women can suffer from this bone-thinning condition, although women are more prone to it because they have less bone tissue, and lose bone more rapidly than men because of menopause, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that women have a physical exam every year that includes a height check to help detect osteoporosis. There also are bone density tests that can detect it, as well as the rate of bone loss. Men have larger, stronger bones than women, but two million men have osteoporosis, and another three million are believed to be at risk, says the foundation.
White men appear to be most at risk, but osteoporosis can occur in other ethnic groups as well.
The foundation says that in general, osteoporosis is underdiagnosed in men and needs further study, and recommends that men talk to their doctors if they notice a loss of height, change in posture, or sudden back pain. There is some difference of opinion here. The American Urological Association and the American Cancer Society say the majority of available evidence suggests that men 50 and older ought to be offered the option of annual testing for prostate cancer. Men at higher risk, such as African-Americans and those with a family history of early prostate cancer, should start at age 45. Other scientific and medical institutions, including the CDC, the National Cancer Institute, the American College of Physicians, and the American Society of Internal Medicine, do not currently advocate mass screening or routine screening for prostate cancer.