Men’s Health Week runs June 14–20, 2027, ending on Father’s Day. It nudges men, and the people who love them, to deal with the health problems that are easiest to prevent.
The Week Ending on Father’s Day
Every year, during the week that leads up to and includes Father’s Day, the third Sunday of June. Men’s Health Network describes it simply as the week ending on Father’s Day.
Congress created it in 1994 to raise awareness of preventable health problems. Senator Bob Dole and Representative Bill Richardson sponsored the bills.
From a 1994 Law to a Global Week
Richardson moved first. On June 8, 1993, he introduced House Joint Resolution 209, which drew 238 cosponsors.
Dole followed in March 1994 with Senate Joint Resolution 179, which had 8 cosponsors and passed the Senate by voice vote.
That first measure covered June 12 to 19, 1994, ending on Father’s Day. The House approved it on May 24 after Richardson spoke about prostate cancer and early detection.
President Bill Clinton signed it into law on May 31, 1994, as Public Law 103-264.
Its 1994 preamble pointed to men’s shorter lifespans and to prostate and testicular cancer, and it made the case for screening.
Exactly when the week starts is unclear. The 1994 week began on a Sunday, and Men’s Health Network listed 2026 as June 14 to 21, while many calendars start on Monday.
Global partners joined in 2002. Six men’s health groups met at the second World Congress on Men’s Health and agreed to work together on an international week.
Why Men Need the Reminder
Life expectancy shows the gap. In 2024, it was 76.5 years for U.S. males and 81.4 for females, the CDC reported.
The gap narrowed a little that year. Men gained 0.7 year from 75.8 in 2023, while women gained 0.3 year.
Heart disease, cancer and unintentional injuries were the leading causes of death in 2024. Female death rates were lower than male rates in every racial and ethnic group the CDC tracked.
Doctors’ offices are part of the problem. In a 2019 Cleveland Clinic survey of about 1,174 U.S. men, 72% said they’d rather do household chores than see a doctor.
Only half considered an annual checkup a regular part of self-care, and 20% admitted they hadn’t been fully honest with their doctor.
Some 41% said they were told as boys that men don’t complain about health issues.
Hope shows up in the same survey. Most men, 82%, said they try to stay healthy for friends and family.
Convenience could help too, with 61% saying they’d be more likely to get a checkup if it were easier to fit in.
Small Steps for the Week
Treatable diseases such as colon cancer and heart disease are still killing men, Men’s Health Network says. Catching them early is the whole point.
Blue is the week’s color. The Friday before Father’s Day is Wear Blue Friday, when offices and teams dress in blue to start conversations.
- Book a yearly checkup, and ask which screenings fit your age.
- Ask your doctor whether it’s time for a colon cancer screening.
- Check your blood pressure at a pharmacy kiosk or at home.
- Wear blue on Friday and tell coworkers why.
- Take a walk with your dad, son or brother over Father’s Day weekend.
- Start an honest conversation with a friend about how he’s really doing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Men’s Health Week the same as Men’s Health Month?
No. June is the month, and the week is its centerpiece before Father’s Day.
Who sponsored the 1994 law?
Bob Dole in the Senate and Bill Richardson in the House.
Is Men’s Health Week only for men?
Not really. Partners, children and friends are often the ones who do the nudging.
Sources
- Men’s Health Network – A brief history of Men’s Health Week
- Men’s Health Network – International Men’s Health Week
- Men’s Health Network – Awareness Week signed by President Clinton in 1994
- CDC NCHS – Mortality in the United States, 2024
- Cleveland Clinic – Men will do almost anything to avoid going to the doctor (2019)