Health screenings for men. Tests all men should have

Statistically, men are less eager to get a regular health checkup. Avoiding visits to a doctor and getting screening tests can delay detection of the health problems. Detecting them at an early stage of development significantly increases the chances of a complete recovery. Preventive checkups should be on every man's "to-do" list. So, what kind of check up is recommended for men?

Blood pressure test

One of the key preventive examinations for men is a blood pressure check up. The risk of developing diseases related to the circulatory system increases with age. This problem often affects men, so the main preventive examination in this matter is blood pressure screening. According to the recommendations, if blood pressure remains below 120/80 mm Hg, the test should be performed at least once every two years. This recommendation applies to people over 20 years old.

In contrast, 40 years old and older adults, as well as those who are obese and at increased risk, should have their blood pressure checked annually. This screening usually performed at the doctor's, but after buying yourself a blood pressure monitor, it can be successfully performed on a regular basis at your home. This practice is especially recommended for people at increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Diabetes

Blood glucose level testing is normally performed as part of periodic tests. Men with high blood pressure or taking medications to control high blood pressure should be screened for diabetes. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as severe thirst, frequent urination, unexpected weight loss, increased feeling of hunger and tingling in the extremities should consult a doctor.

Cholesterol level

All men over 35 should have their blood cholesterol checked regularly. Men that are in an increased risk group should start having cholesterol screening tests even before reaching 20 years old. Risk factors include:

• Tobacco products use
• overweight or obesity,
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Family history with heart disease
  There are several indicators that are taken into account in the cholesterol test. Each of them is equally important - together they allow determining the risk of diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Colon cancer

Every man, before the age of 50, should undergo preventive examinations for colorectal cancer (colon or rectum). People with a family history of colorectal cancer are in an increased risk group, so they should start having screening tests earlier. The main test for this is colonoscopy, which allows seeing the structures inside the body in detail. In addition to colonoscopy, other tests are performed to prevent colorectal cancer as well as to detect it at an early stage.

Skin checkup

According to the data, one of the most common types of cancer among men is melanoma. In the age group up to 50, women suffer from it more often. However, in the group over 65, this ratio changes drastically - men develop melanoma twice as often as women. You can easily perform skin check-ups at your home. It is recommended to perform them on a regular basis, preferably monthly, so that comparisons can be made. Every part of the body should be kept in mind during the examination. In case of difficulties (for example, when the mole is on the back), you can ask for help from a family member.

The issues that should be addressed are identified according to the ABCDE principle:

• A, asymmetry: If a mole is cut in half vertically, the two halves are not the same.
• B, border: The edges of the mole are irregular.
• C, color: there are changes to the color of the mole or the surrounding area.
• D, diameter: the diameter of the mole is more than 5 mm.
• E, evolution: the mole starts to itch, bleed, or change in any way.

As part of your skin examination, look for wounds that do not heal. Diagnosing melanoma at an early stage of its development significantly increases the chances of full recovery. In addition, it should be borne in mind that people who are at increased risk should talk to their doctor about the frequency of dermatological screening.

Lung cancer prevention

Check up for men should also include lung cancer prophylaxis. This cancer is one of the most common among men around the world. The main cause of most cases is cigarette smoking, which poses a danger not only to smokers but also to their environment. People who are exposed to second-hand smoke for long periods are also at risk of developing the disease. Therefore, not smoking and avoiding cigarette smoke is the best way to minimize the risk. However, it should be remembered that people who are not affected by the above-mentioned risk factors can also develop lung cancer. Lung cancer prophylaxis tests for men include: computed tomography. Their performance is especially recommended for people in the 50-80 age group and for people who smoke tobacco products intensively.

Prostate cancer prevention

Prophylactic examinations for prostate cancer in the first stage include a physical examination. It is a rectal examination based on a tactile examination of the inside of the anus. With it, the doctor can determine the size of the prostate gland. Additionally, a frequently performed test is the determination of the total concentration of PSA - prostatic antigen. Its elevated level may indicate a developing prostate cancer. The test is especially recommended for men over 50 years of age. However, it should be remembered that a positive result does not always indicate cancer. After performing the above-mentioned tests, a decision is made to perform a biopsy and further actions.

Prophylactic examinations for men - summary

Despite the reluctance, it is worth trying to convince a man close to us - brother, husband, father, grandfather - to perform regular preventive examinations. You will learn how to do this in our article: How to encourage men to have regular examinations?