Essential Health Checkups for Men
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Highlights
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Health checkups are important, but statistics show that many men tend to avoid going to the doctor unless it’s absolutely necessary.
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Because many serious health conditions don’t cause symptoms until the disease has progressed significantly, it’s best to go for regular screenings.
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Healthcare professionals recommend specific health screening for men, especially those who have family members with chronic diseases.
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Early detection of conditions like hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, or cancer is crucial for successful treatment.
If going to the doctor feels like a task you’re always pushing to the bottom of your to-do list, rest assured — you're not the only man doing this.
Women are twice as likely as men to visit a doctor for an annual checkup. Statistics show that 38% of men haven't visited the doctor in the last six months.
Taking control of your health early on not only reduces anxiety, but also increases your chances of successful treatment.
Understanding Health Screenings
A health screening is a periodic health examination performed by your doctor to identify diseases and assess your risk of developing certain conditions.
Most screenings involve a physical exam and simple blood tests.
Regular screenings increase your chances of detecting diseases early, allowing for better and more successful treatment.
Screenings for Cardiovascular Health
High blood pressure
Over 48% of U.S. adults suffer from high blood pressure (hypertension). This chronic condition can lead to severe health issues, like coronary heart disease, stroke, or kidney failure.
High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer,” because it often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms. This is why it’s important to go for regular blood pressure screenings to detect any problems early on.
Regular screening tests allow you to address high blood pressure readings through lifestyle changes or medication, and can significantly reduce your risk of future medical problems.
How do you screen for high blood pressure?
A blood pressure reading is a quick and painless procedure. During the process, a blood pressure cuff is placed around your upper arm and filled with air.
As the cuff deflates, two readings are taken: systolic pressure (the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats) and diastolic pressure (the pressure in your arteries when your heart is at rest between beats).
When should you get screened?
Some people have an increased risk for high blood pressure. This includes individuals who:
- Are overweight or not very physically active
- Smoke
- Consume alcohol frequently
- Have hypertension in their families
- Are non-Hispanic black adults, especially African Americans
For those who don’t fall within these groups, The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) clinical practice guidelines recommend that you have your blood pressure checked every 3–5 years between the ages of 18 and 39.
However, if you’re older than 39 or have some of the risk factors mentioned above, an annual blood pressure screening is recommended.
Cholesterol levels
Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is essential for building cells and producing certain hormones. It’s carried in the blood by lipoproteins, and there are two main types:
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Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): Often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, LDL carries cholesterol from the liver to the cells.
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High-density lipoprotein (HDL): Known as "good" cholesterol, HDL helps remove cholesterol from the bloodstream.
When you have too much LDL or not enough HDL, cholesterol can build up in the walls of the arteries, causing them to harden and narrow. This increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Like high blood pressure, high cholesterol can go undetected until it turns serious. Monitoring your blood cholesterol level can help reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases.
How is the screening done?
Cholesterol screening involves a blood test called a lipoprotein profile that measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides (a type of fat found in blood).
In some cases, you may be asked to fast before this screening test.
When should you get screened?
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that you repeat cholesterol screenings every four to six years, starting at age 20.
Older people or those with known risk factors may need their cholesterol assessed more often.
Type 2 diabetes
Diabetes can significantly increase your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body doesn’t use insulin — a hormone that regulates blood sugar — effectively. This results in high blood sugar levels.
Risk factors for diabetes include lifestyle factors such as a poor diet and limited physical activity. Ethnicity and genetics can put some people at higher risk of this condition.
It’s important to test for type 2 diabetes regularly, as symptoms often develop slowly, and many people may not realize they have it.
How do you screen for type 2 diabetes?
A fasting blood sugar test is typically used to screen for diabetes.
When should you get screened?
You should go for your first screening starting at age 35, and repeat the test every three years.
More frequent testing may be advised if you are in a high-risk group, for example, if you are overweight.
Screenings for Cancer
Lung cancer
Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., and men have a one in 16 chance of developing this type of cancer in their lifetime.
Most cases are linked to smoking, but nonsmokers can also be affected.
Early detection through screening can help to guide your treatment and improve your chances of recovering from this disease.
How do you screen for lung cancer?
Lung cancer screening involves low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) — a type of X-ray that uses a small amount of radiation to create detailed cross-sectional images of your lungs.
The screening isn’t painful and only takes a few minutes.
When should you get screened?
Annual LDCT screening is recommended for individuals aged 50–80 who have a history of heavy smoking and are currently smoking or have quit within the past 15 years.
Key Point: How Does Your Lifestyle Impact Your Health?
Your lifestyle choices, including diet, exercise, smoking, and alcohol consumption, significantly influence your health and can affect how often you need specific health screenings.
This is why it’s crucial to tailor health screening plans based on individual lifestyles and medical history.
Personalized screenings can help identify and address specific health concerns, giving you a head start in looking after your well-being.
Prostate cancer
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland found only in males. It’s situated beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), one out of eight males are diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.
This cancer starts when cells in the prostate gland begin growing uncontrollably.
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the United States. Luckily, with early detection, survival rates for this disease are high.
How do you screen for it?
Prostate cancer screening involves a digital rectal exam. A blood test called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test can also be done.
A PSA test measures the levels of a protein produced by the prostate gland, and elevated PSA levels can indicate potential issues such as prostate cancer or other prostate conditions.
When should you get screened?
The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age.
Those with a history of prostate cancer in their families, and African American men are also at a higher risk of getting this disease.
The ACS recommends that you discuss screening for prostate cancer with your doctor at:
- Age 40, if you have more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer when they were younger than 65
- Age 45, if you are an African American or if your father or brother had prostate cancer at a young age
- Age 50, if you don’t have any of the above mentioned risk factors
Skin cancer
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. Different types of skin cancer exist, with melanoma being the most dangerous.
Men are more likely than women to develop melanoma, and are also more likely to die from it. Early detection through regular skin checks is crucial for effective treatment.
How can you screen for skin cancer?
Perform thorough self-exams and ask your doctor to conduct routine skin checks during your physical exam.
Using a full-length mirror, and a handheld mirror for hard-to-reach spots, take a close look at your skin. Look for changes in color, size, feel, or outline of moles and freckles.
If anything appears suspicious, consult a doctor as soon as possible.
When should you get screened?
You should examine your skin every three months to one year. If you have a history of skin cancer or a weakened immune system, more frequent screenings may be recommended.
Colorectal cancer
This type of cancer develops from abnormal cell growth in the colon or rectum. Research shows that men are 50% more at risk of developing it than women.
Colorectal cancer, when detected in its early stages, can be effectively treated.
What does this screening involve?
A colorectal cancer screening usually involves a colonoscopy, during which a thin, flexible tube is inserted through the rectum.
Although this procedure might seem invasive, it only needs to be performed every ten years, as colon cancer grows slowly.
Stool-based tests — like a fecal occult blood test or stool DNA tests — are also available, but these need to be conducted more regularly and may be less accurate.
When should you get screened?
If you have a personal or family history of colorectal cancer or you’re older than 50, you have an increased risk of developing this cancer.
Leading an unhealthy lifestyle can also increase the likelihood of getting this disease. This includes:
- Consuming lots of processed meats
- Not eating enough fruits and vegetables
- Smoking
- Drinking excessively
- Not getting enough exercise
You should start screening tests at age 50, or, if you have any of the known risk factors mentioned above, discuss earlier or more frequent testing with your doctor.
Other Important Health Checks for Men
While we’ve covered the most important tests above, there are a few others that are recommended for men to stay healthy:
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Hearing and vision: If you find yourself struggling to hear or see, talk to your doctor to arrange a screening to improve your quality of life.
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Osteoporosis: Healthcare experts recommend that men undergo a bone density test at 70, but those under 70 with certain risk factors may benefit from earlier testing.
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Sexually transmitted infections: If you’ve engaged in unprotected sex or have multiple sexual partners, it’s important to get screened for HIV. If you’re older than 18, you should get an HCV antibody test for hepatitis C.
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Dental exam: Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining oral health. Book appointments with your dentist to ensure early detection and prevention of dental issues.
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Vaccinations: Keeping up with your shots is crucial for preventing various diseases. Consult with your doctor to stay updated on recommended vaccinations based on your age, lifestyle, and potential exposure risks.
Key Point: Are Mental Health Screenings Recommended for Men?
While the checkups listed in this article can go a long way in reducing anxieties around health, you shouldn’t neglect your mental well-being.
Research shows that men are far less likely than women to seek mental health care.
Depression is often linked with feelings of sadness, but symptoms can also manifest as irritability, anger, unnecessary risk-taking, and the use of alcohol or drugs.
Experiencing feelings of depression or anxiety is not uncommon or something to be ashamed of. In fact, every year, more than 6 million men in the U.S. report symptoms of depression — and this excludes the ones who keep it to themselves.
If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor.
Where Can You Learn More About Men’s Health?
Concerned about your overall health, or don’t have time to visit a doctor’s office? LifeMD is here to help.
Whether it's discussing preventive screenings or creating a personalized care plan, LifeMD can connect you to a team of licensed medical professionals who can address any men's health screening questions and concerns.
Schedule an appointment today to prioritize your well-being.
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