Mississippi Men & Their Health: The Urgent Issues We Can’t Ignore

Category: News
Posted On: Jun 11, 2025

Mississippi men are facing a health crisis- one shaped by four critical, interwoven challenges: heart disease, prostate cancer, diabetes, and obesity. These conditions aren’t just numbers on a chart; they’re impacting fathers, brothers, and sons in every corner of the state. From rising death rates to silent early symptoms, these threats demand attention - but the good news is that they’re largely preventable or manageable with early action. This blog breaks down what each issue means for men in Mississippi and how small steps today can lead to a longer, healthier tomorrow.

Heart Disease - Protect Your Heart, Protect Your Future

Heart disease remains Mississippi’s leading cause of death, with an age-adjusted rate of approximately 255 deaths per 100,000 residents—about 47% higher than the national average. Men in particular are seeing rising mortality: from 311 to 324 deaths per 100,000 between 2010 and 2021. Cardiovascular disease accounts for over a third of all deaths statewide.
Early detection through routine checks—blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight—paired with lifestyle shifts like quitting smoking, eating heart-healthy foods, and staying active, can dramatically reduce your risk. It’s about preventing a problem before it starts and guarding your future.

Prostate Cancer - Don’t Wait. Talk About the Test.

Mississippi men face one of the highest prostate cancer burdens in the nation. From 2017–2021, the cancer death rate among Black men in Mississippi was 45 per 100,000, nearly triple that of white men. Mississippi also ranks second nationally for prostate cancer deaths.
Because prostate cancer often shows no symptoms until it’s advanced, routine screening is essential. Talk to your provider about PSA blood tests and digital rectal exams, especially if you're over 50—or over 40 with a family history or if you're African American.

Diabetes - Know Your Number.They Could Save Your Life.

Mississippi is part of the nation’s Diabetes Belt and consistently ranks near the top for diabetes-related deaths. Over 37 million adults in the U.S. have diabetes, and many don’t know it. In Mississippi, the rate is even higher, and men often delay diagnosis.
Unchecked, diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney failure, amputations, and heart attacks. Monitoring your blood sugar, knowing your A1C, and making consistent changes in diet and exercise can help prevent or control this life-altering disease.

Obesity - Small Changes. Big Impact.

Mississippi has one of the highest obesity rates in the U.S., with more than 40% of adults affected. Among men, the problem is growing steadily. Obesity increases the risk of nearly every major health issue: heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.
You don’t have to lose 50 pounds overnight to make a difference. Even a modest 5–10% weight loss can improve your numbers and reduce your risk. Starting small - with more water, less sugar, daily walks, or skipping fast food - can lead to major improvements over time.

Your Health, Your Move

These four health threats may be common - but they aren’t inevitable. Most men in Mississippi can take back control of their health with early screenings, honest conversations with their doctors, and small lifestyle adjustments.

Here’s what you can do today:

Schedule a check-up and get screened for blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, BMI, and prostate cancer.
Know your numbers. Awareness is the first step to prevention.
Start small. Trade one soda for water. Walk 10 minutes. Choose grilled over fried.
Talk it out. Health starts with conversations - at home, at work, and in the community.

The choices you make today shape the years ahead - for you, your family, and your future.

Sources:

CDC WONDER Database: https://wonder.cdc.gov/

Mississippi State Department of Health: Cardiovascular Health in Mississippi
https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/43,0,297.html

American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — U.S. Cancer Statistics – Data Visualizations Tool: https://gis.cdc.gov/Cancer/USCS/#/Demographics/

Mississippi Cancer Registry: https://www.cancer-rates.info/ms/

American Cancer Society: https://www.cancer.org

CDC National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2023: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/index.html

CDC Diabetes Belt Report: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pdfs/data/diabetesbelt.pdf

Mississippi State Department of Health – Diabetes Program: https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/43,0,296.html

Trust for America’s Health — State of Obesity: Better Policies for a Healthier America 2023: https://www.tfah.org/report-details/state-of-obesity-2023/

CDC Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps: https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/prevalence-maps.html

Mississippi State Department of Health – Obesity Prevention: https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/43,0,298.html