When it comes to healthcare, men are less likely than women to get regular medical exams and screenings. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, 55% of men had not visited their doctor for a checkup in a year. Men are also less proactive to be screened for cancer, regardless of the fact that their cancer mortality rates are higher than women.
Getting recommended health screenings on a regular basis for serious condition and diseases will not only help detect the early signs but also save you the trip down to the hospital in the future.
Below are 5 such medical screenings that every man should get to stay healthy.
1. Colorectal Cancer
Every man should get a medical examination done for colon cancer by the age of 50. Colon or rectal cancer happens to be the second leading cause of death in men, according to the American Cancer Society. It might be beneficial for people with family history of colorectal cancer to get a screening done even sooner.
You should not dread this test as a colonoscopy is a quick 15-20 minute painless procedure. A colonoscopy test typically uses a small camera that is inserted into the anus to explore the large intestine for polyps or any other sign for cancer. This test can detect cancer when it is on its onset, making it easily treatable.
2. Blood Cholesterol
Another common health problem most people deal with is cholesterol levels. Most of us experience problems with our cholesterol as we age. A cholesterol check is a simple blood test, recommended for all men 35 and older. Even women should get their blood cholesterol levels checked regularly. The American Heart Association recommends getting your cholesterol levels checked every four to five years. Most men generally have an overall higher risk for cardiovascular diseases than women.
A cholesterol test measures the levels of total cholesterol, which includes HDL (good) cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides.
3. Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is another of the major screening every man should keep in mind. Although tests for prostate cancer is highly debated, professionals suggest that men over 50 can at least consult with their doctor about the pros and cons of the screening before getting them done.
Screenings for prostate cancer can save lives if you can identify the early signs of an enlarged prostate, though the treatment in many cases progresses slowly.
4. Sexually Transmitted Infections
It is never a bad idea to get tested for STIs. The US Preventive Services Task Forces suggest people anywhere between the ages of 15-65 to check in for different sexually transmitted infections. What many of us not realize is many common STIs can go undiagnosed for years such as HIV.
With getting HIV screening done, medical professionals also recommend getting tested for Hepatitis C.
5. Diabetes
For most men over 45, diabetes is not their friend. Diabetes brings with a list of symptoms, some including frequent urination, tingling sensation in hands and feet, weight loss and change in appetite. If you experience such signs, you should get a diabetes screening done. Men dealing with obesity should get tested for diabetes even sooner. The screening required for diabetes is a simple blood test that measures your blood sugar levels.
No one should feel intimated or scared to go for medical screenings and other important checks. These checks up only help to pick up diseases early which makes it easier to treat and manage, responding better to the treatment.
If you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of these conditions or just want to get an overall checkup done, contact your medical health professional waiting to discuss your concerns to get the required medical attention you need.
