What Are Preventive Health Screenings Men Should Not Ignore?

Learn when to prioritize screenings for heart disease, cancer and other conditions

As men get older, regular health screenings become important. These tests can find health problems early when treatment is most effective.

“Certain conditions tend to affect men more frequently than women, and they may also exhibit different symptoms,” says Luigi Simone, MD, a primary care physician at Scripps Clinic Encinitas. “Checkups can help catch health issues early before they can develop into something worse.”

Men often delay health checkups for various reasons. Some fear bad news. Others do not see the benefits of screenings. Some feel too busy to go. Some think that feeling fine means they are healthy.

“Generally, women are more in tune with health issues and learn from a young age to receive regular check-ups. Men learn something different and generally don’t seek care until there is an issue. It’s the ‘I feel fine, must be fine’ mentality,” Dr. Simone says.

“It’s important for men to overcome any barrier that is keeping them from engaging in preventive care. Denying there are health problems leaves the potential for long-term, detrimental health issues,” he says.

Talk with your primary care physician for guidance on the best preventive plan for you. Recommendations vary depending on individual risk factors, medical and family history, personal preferences, lifestyle and age.

Heart disease

Men should be aware of risk factors for heart disease. Heart disease includes coronary artery disease and heart attacks. It is the leading cause of death in the United States. Anyone can get heart disease, but it often occurs earlier in men than in women.

“Your doctor can perform several tests to diagnose heart disease,” says Dr. Simone. “You can also take several steps to reduce your risk, such as maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking and preventing or treating any health condition that puts you at risk.”

Recommended heart health screenings

High blood pressure and high cholesterol are key risk factors for heart disease.

Blood pressure screening

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends periodic screening for adults 18 and older. It recommends annual screenings for adults 40 and older who are at risk for high blood pressure.

Cholesterol screening

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends checking cholesterol levels early. Children 9 to 11 and teens 17 to 21 should have at least one screening. Healthy adults should check their cholesterol every 4 to 6 years. People with heart disease, diabetes or a family history of high cholesterol may need to test more often.

Cancer screenings

Testicular cancer screening

Testicular cancer is a rare kind of cancer. It makes up less than 1% of all cancers in men. Unlike many other cancers, this one often affects younger people. It is the most common cancer in men 15 to 35.

Regular self-exams are important. Clinical exams should also be a part of your routine check-ups.

Prostate cancer screening

The American Cancer Society recommends discussing screening with your doctor by age 50 if you are at average risk of prostate cancer. If you are at high risk for prostate cancer, you should start screening earlier.

The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test is the most common screening method for prostate cancer.

Colon cancer screenings

Cancer experts say people at average risk should start screening at age 45. Finding cancer early improves outcomes. Schedule regular colonoscopies to catch any signs early.

Lung cancer screening

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for adults 50 and older who are at risk for lung cancer.

Annual low-dose CT scans are recommended if you have a history of smoking 1 pack a day for 20 years, also referred to as 20-pack year smoking history. This recommendation holds whether you are currently smoking or have quit within the past 15 years.

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the U.S. and also the deadliest. According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 16 men will get lung cancer in their lifetime.

Other important screenings

Diabetes screening

Men are more likely to develop diabetes compared to women, according to the CDC.

Checking your blood sugar levels can help find diabetes early. Early diagnosis lets you make lifestyle changes or take medication to manage the condition.

The American Diabetes Association recommends starting diabetes screening at age 35.

However, it should begin earlier for those with risk factors, including children and teens. Risk factors include being overweight or having a family history of diabetes.

Depression

Stress, anxiety and depression can harm your health if not treated. Men may face mental health issues in different ways and may hesitate to seek help.

Recognizing the signs and discussing them openly with your doctor can enhance management of these conditions.

Mental health experts recommend all adults undergo screening for depression.

Lifestyle factors

Lifestyle factors play a major role in men’s health and their need for screenings. Eating a balanced diet and exercising often can lower the risk of many health problems. These healthy habits help control weight, lower blood pressure and reduce the chance of heart disease.

Smoking and drinking too much alcohol can increase health risks. They are linked to health issues, such as lung and liver diseases.

Healthy Life is brought to you by the physicians and staff of Scripps Health. For more information, or for a physician referral, visit www.scripps.org or call 1-800-Scripps.