As you get older, it is easy to let your annual wellness visit take a backseat to work, family and your social life. But if you’re skipping out on seeing your doctor for regular checkups, you are likely missing out on getting recommended - and potentially lifesaving - health screenings.
"An unfortunate byproduct of aging is an increased risk for serious health conditions such as cancer and high blood pressure," says Dhairya Kiri, D.O., a family medicine provider at Henry Ford Health. "Different tests and screenings can help detect issues early, allowing you to treat or manage them more effectively."
8 Important Screenings For Men's Health
Here are the top screenings all men should be getting:
1. For Heart Health – Cholesterol Screening: Cholesterol is a substance in blood that give body cells structure. However, too much cholesterol can put you at risk for heart disease or stroke. Starting between ages 20-35 (depending on your risk level), make sure to have your levels checked every five years. You can improve your cholesterol levels on your own by eating healthy and staying active.
2. For Colorectal Cancer – Colonoscopy: Colorectal cancers affect areas of the colon, rectum and anus. Checking the health of your colon can help identify any issues. A colonoscopy is recommended every 10 years starting at age 45 for people with an average risk of colon cancer.
In this procedure, the doctor uses a scope to evaluate the inside of your colon. This screening can not only detect cancer but it can even prevent colon cancer if pre-cancerous cells are identified and removed. Here are a few ways to prep for an upcoming appointment.
3. For Diabetes – Risk Assessment Test: Diabetes occurs when the body loses its ability to break down sugar. Too much sugar can lead to many health complications. By age 35, it is recommended you get a diabetes screening every three years. Talk to your doctor if you have:
- A preexisting health condition (like high cholesterol)
- A history of diabetes
- Possible signs of the condition
4. For High Blood Pressure – Blood Pressure Measurement: If left untreated, high blood pressure (or hypertension) can lead to many serious health issues, like heart disease or stroke. Make sure you are getting your blood pressure levels checked every few years or as often as your doctor recommends. If you do have high blood pressure, there are many ways to lower it.
5. For Prostate Cancer – Digital Rectal Exam/PSA Screening: Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. About 1 in 8 men will develop prostate cancer in his lifetime. Typically, if your prostate grows over time, this can be an early sign of cancer. If you are 40 or older, talk with your doctor about how often you should be screened. Certain factors like race, age and genetics may influence your risk. Your prostate health can be evaluated through a physical exam and/or a blood test.
6. For HIV – HIV Screening: HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system - making it harder for your body to fight off infections or disease. And once you have it, it never goes away. Knowing if you have HIV is important to prevent spreading the virus. Your doctor can help you determine how often to be tested based on your risk level. If you do have HIV, your doctor can work with you to manage this condition.
7. For STDs/STIs – Routine Screenings: If you are sexually active or have multiple sexual partners, it is important to be checked regularly for sexually transmitted diseases or infections. Many STDs or STIs are treatable. However, it is best to detect them quickly to prevent a case from worsening or spreading them to a partner.
8. For Depression – Mental Health Screenings: Talking about your feelings can be uncomfortable, but being honest with your provider about feelings of anxiety and depression is essential to your wellbeing. If needed, your provider can help you find a mental health expert or suggest strategies for coping with whatever you are facing.
Are There Other Health Screenings Men Should Get?
While these are many of the standard recommended men’s health screening guidelines, everyone is different. Age, lifestyle habits, family history and any existing medical conditions are all factors that might affect when you should receive these tests or whether you need additional screenings.
For example, if you are a smoker or have a history of smoking, you may need to get a lung cancer screening or abdominal aortic aneurysm screening. It is best to talk to your doctor about your specific health needs, including whether you might be at higher risk for any serious health conditions that require earlier screening.
"By making an effort to attend annual checkups and get important health screenings, you can help take control of your health," says Dr. Kiri. "Early detection of serious illnesses can often be the difference between life and death."
Reviewed by Dr. Dhairya Kiri, a family medicine provider who sees patients at Henry Ford Medical Center - Richmond.
