June is Men’s Health Awareness Month. Now is the time to take charge of your health. Call your primary care provider (PCP) and make an appointment. A PCP is your main doctor for your health care. Schedule your health screenings today.

5 things to talk to your PCP about:

1. Prostate Cancer Screening

Prostate cancer is when cells in the prostate grow too fast. The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. If cancer is found early, it is easier to treat.

When should you start discussing prostate cancer testing?

  • Men ages 55 to 69: You can talk with your PCP about testing. They can tell you the benefits and risks of testing so that you can make an informed choice.
  • Men ages 40 and 54: If you have a family history of prostate cancer, talk about getting tested earlier. Black and African American people may also be at higher risk.

What does testing look like?

Your PCP will screen for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood.

2. Lung Cancer Screening

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in men.

Who should be tested:

  • If you are age 50 to 80, AND
  • Smoked a pack of cigarettes every day for 20 years, AND
  • a current smoker or quit in the past 15 years.

Signs of lung cancer:

  • A cough that does not go away
  • Coughing up blood
  • Chest pain
  • Rough voice
  • Less hunger
  • Weight loss
  • Trouble breathing
  • You feel tired or weak
  • Infections that don’t get better

Want help quitting smoking?

You can get nicotine gum or patches at no cost. Talk to your PCP to learn more.

3. Colorectal (Colon) Cancer Screening

Colon cancer often starts as a small clump of cells called polyps. Finding them early can save your life!

When should you start testing?

  • Age 45 if you are at average risk (no family history of colon problems)
  • Ways to get tested:

    • Send a stool sample to a lab; or
    • A doctor looks inside your colon with a small camera, a method called a colonoscopy
  • Talk to your PCP about what test is best for you.

Note: People over age 85 are no longer screened.

Learn more on how to prevent colon cancer and if you can get a $50 gift card for testing here.

4. Routine bloodwork

Get your blood tested to help find problems like diabetes or heart disease early.

All people should get their blood tested once a year. Especially if you have a family history of health problems.

Your PCP can order bloodwork for you.

5. Don’t forget about your mental health!

Take a moment to check in on your feelings. You might want extra help if you:

  • Feel stressed
  • Feel lonely
  • Have trouble with drinking or drugs
  • Have trouble in relationships

You do not need a referral to get mental health help. Call Carelon Behavioral Health to learn more. Make an appointment at 1(855) 371-8117 or carelonbehavioralhealth.com.

Adult Sensitive Care Services

If you are 18 years or older, you can choose a different doctor for sensitive or private care like:

  • Care after sexual assault
  • HIV testing and treatment
  • Sexual health care

Learn more about sensitive care in your SFHP Member Handbook.

Act this month to stay healthy

Take care of yourself this Men’s Health Awareness Month.

Make an appointment with your PCP today. Find your PCP’s phone number on your SFHP ID card. Or call San Francisco Health Plan at 1(800) 288-5555 if you need help.

Talk to your friends and family about their health. Talking about your health makes it easier for others to talk to their PCP.

More Help from SFHP

  • Customer Service: Our team can answer your questions about benefits and health services. Call 1(415) 547-7800, 1(800) 288-5555 (toll-free) or 1(415) 547-7830 TTY. Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm.
  • Interpreter Services: You can get an interpreter in-person or by phone for your health visits. When you make an appointment, ask for an interpreter at the same time.
  • Need a Ride? SFHP can help you get transportation to any medical appointment covered by Medi-Cal. Ask your provider or call Customer Service.
  • Interested in Medi-Cal Benefits? See if you or your family can get Medi-Cal through SFHP.

Learn more about your covered Medi-Cal benefits and services.