5 essential health screenings for men’s wellness

06/17/2024

Early detection and prevention are key to maintaining good health during every stage of life. Discover recommended health screening tests for men and how they play an important role in preventing serious health issues.

By Austin Evangelista, AGPCNP, Internal Medicine, Nuvance Health Medical Practice

From routine checks like blood pressure and cholesterol tests to specialized screenings for prostate and colorectal cancer, regular health assessments are essential to ensure your health is on the right track. Some screenings need to be performed more frequently than others. Keep in mind that participating in screening tests benefits not only your health but also the well-being of your loved ones.

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Why men’s health screenings matter

Even if you feel as healthy as a horse, regular screenings are essential for identifying potential health issues early on. These enable timely treatment and can improve overall health outcomes. Conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, prostate cancer and diabetes often go unnoticed in their early stages. Men’s health screenings help your doctor to identify risk factors early on, allowing for preventive actions and reducing the risk of serious complications.

Health screenings recommended for men

Regular health screenings for men are essential for the early detection and prevention of potential issues. Among the many screenings offered, some common ones include:

Prostate cancer screening: There are possible benefits, risks and uncertainties of a prostate cancer screening. Men should discuss with their primary care provider if a prostate cancer screening is appropriate for them.

Blood pressure: High blood pressure, otherwise known as hypertension, can lead to life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks and stroke. Monitoring your blood pressure regularly can allow for timely intervention, which might include lifestyle changes and/or medication to manage and prevent complications.

Cholesterol screening: Measuring the “good” and “bad” cholesterol in your blood on a regular basis can help prevent heart disease. Regular screenings help you manage your cholesterol through diet and exercise to support your overall cardiovascular health.

Diabetes screening: Diabetes affects millions of men worldwide. Regular diabetes screenings, including blood glucose tests, can detect diabetes or prediabetes early on, preventing complications through diet, exercise and/or medication if necessary.

For average-risk patients aged 45 and older: Regular screenings such as colonoscopies can detect precancerous or cancerous growths in the colon. Early detection improves treatment success and survival rates.

Key benefits of regular check-ups for men

Regular check-ups are vital to keep your health in good shape. Not only do they allow for the detection of underlying conditions before they become severe, but they give your doctor a basis to measure your quality of health against.

Some key benefits of seeing your doctor regularly include:

Detecting underlying health conditions early: Regular screenings for men allow your doctor to identify potential health issues in their early stages. This significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.

Monitoring overall health: Routine check-ups help assess overall health and identify risk factors for certain conditions. Follow your doctor’s instructions for regular screenings; most of these tests are not just one-time events. Consistency in testing is key to staying proactive about your health, especially as your body undergoes changes as you age.

Personalized preventive care plans: Regular check-ups enable your doctor to develop personalized preventive care plans, including screenings, vaccinations, lifestyle modifications and other preventive measures.

How to overcome anxiety about your men’s health screening

It’s normal to feel fear or apprehension about going to the doctor — everyone experiences it, men included! Nobody wants to be given news of a bad diagnosis or outcome. However, you’ll find that you’ll feel much more at ease after your visit, rather than avoiding it altogether.

Prioritize your men’s health screening

Don’t wait until you reach your breaking point. If you notice persistent changes in your body, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider. Avoid delaying seeing your doctor until your condition worsens. Seeking medical attention early on can lead to better outcomes in the long run, especially when you maintain open and honest communication with your doctor.

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The bottom line: Regular health screenings are essential for men to maintain overall well-being and detect potential issues early on. By prioritizing screenings and following through with appointments, you can take proactive steps to stay on top of your well-being and reduce the risk of serious health issues.