June is Men's Health Month, drawing attention to easy ways men can address and help prevent common health problems. Historically, men have been somewhat hesitant to be proactive in their own healthcare, but in an effort to live their best and longest lives, more guys are taking steps to get ahead of disease and dysfunction before issues have a chance to pose a threat to their strength, vitality and full enjoyment of life.
Because many diseases don’t produce symptoms early on, staying on top of health screenings is a proven way to discover potential problems before they have a chance to develop and become difficult – even impossible – to treat. We invite you to use the following guide as a reminder to schedule important health screenings as part of your overall fitness and health program.
Health Screenings for Men 18 and Older
High Blood Pressure Testing – High blood pressure gets more common as people get older, but even young men can have it, particularly now that we as a nation have become more sedentary, stressed-out and fond of sodium-rich fast and highly processed foods. Heredity can also play a role, even among men who exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet. Know your blood pressure and if it’s high (130/80 or above), take steps to get your numbers into a healthy range.
Health Screenings for Men 20 and Older
Testicular Cancer Exam – Because most cases of testicular cancer occur in men ages 20-54, particularly among those with a family history of the disease and/or an undescended testicle, self-examination is important for men of every age. Check your testicles monthly for changes in shape or the presence of bumps or lumps. Have regular physicals and make sure your doctor includes this in your exam. Yes, avoidance is tempting – but it’s quick and painless so don’t put it off.
Cholesterol Screening – Men without added risk factors for high cholesterol should have a fasting lipid blood test at age 35 and at regular intervals thereafter. The early discovery of high LDL cholesterol promotes timely treatment to help prevent the formation of the sticky plaque that hardens and narrows arteries, a primary cause of heart disease and stroke. Men with a personal or family history of heart disease are at elevated risk, and should begin cholesterol screening at age 20.
Health Screenings for Men 40 and Older
Prostate Cancer Screening – Prostate cancer strikes 1 in 7 men, so regular screening is a key to protecting health and normal bodily function. Caught before it has a chance to spread, prostate cancer has a nearly 100% survival rate but, too often, a lack of routine screening allows this cancer to grow, spread and turn lethal. When to begin screening for prostate cancer varies among men based on certain criteria. Men whose fathers developed prostate cancer are advised to begin at age 40. Black men and men whose more distant relatives (grandfather, uncle, cousin) had prostate cancer may elect to begin at age 45. Caucasian, Hispanic and Asian men of average risk should start screening at age 50.
Manual prostate cancer screening is typically included in your routine men’s health physical. Your medical care provider will recommend when it’s appropriate for you to have a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Radiology Associates’ Board-certified radiologists recommend that men ages 40-70 get a PSA test every two to four years. Men with elevated or rapidly-rising PSA levels should consider getting tested annually.
If your PSA is elevated or rising, you may be eligible for an MRI prostate scan, which can discover cancer earlier than other tests. If your provider recommends a prostate MRI, Radiology Associates offers 3 Tesla MRI, which delivers twice the power of high-field MRI and ten times that of open MRI, for exceptional detail, speed and accuracy.
Most cases of rising PSA are not cancer, but early diagnosis remains important in catching cancer when it is most easily and successfully treated.
Health Screenings for Men 50 and Older
Colorectal Cancer Screening – Colorectal cancer is the nation’s number two cancer killer. Yes, this a somewhat comedic statistic. Jokes aside, this stat is actually tragic and frustrating because most colorectal cancer cases are completely preventable. You see, most colon cancers begin as polyps that, caught early, can be removed before they cause a single problem. However, too many men avoid colorectal cancer screening. If this applies to you, think about it: your life and wellbeing may depend on it.
All men ages 50 and older should have regular colorectal cancer screenings. Men considered to be at high risk may be advised to begin earlier. Discuss with your doctor your personal and family history to find out which screening tests are right for you. Men at average risk of colorectal cancer may be advised they can use a simple, non-invasive at-home test they receive in the mail. Depending on your specific health and history, your doctor may recommend a different or supplementary test such as a colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy or CT colonography (aka virtual colonoscopy), which is faster and less invasive than traditional colonoscopy. Radiology Associates is proud to offer CT colonography to clinician-referred patients who may prefer the speed, minimal intrusion and ease of this option. Because it requires no sedation, you can drive yourself to your appointment and get on with your day immediately afterward.
Screening for Heart Disease – Since “how to know if chest pains are serious” is one of men’s most commonly Googled search terms, of course heart disease is a primary health concern. Discovering plaque deposits and narrowing of the arteries before they impede healthy blood flow can stop a heart attack before it happens. If you have common risk factors that increase your chance of heart disease, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high LDL cholesterol, obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity, smoking or secondhand smoke exposure, or have a family history of heart disease, talk to your doctor about whether a cardiac scoring exam should be part of your preventive healthcare routine. A cardiac CT from Radiology Associates is a screening test used to discover the presence and location of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries. This quick, non-invasive exam can be used to allow early treatment of plaque build-up and arterial obstructions, and help prevent a heart attack before it can cause permanent damage or death.
Lung Cancer Screening – Men ages 50-80 who have reached 20 pack years (packs per day x years spent smoking) should ask their doctors about Low Dose Computed Tomography, or LDCT. This quick, painless scan can catch lung cancer before it spreads outside the lung and produces symptoms, when it is often too late to treat. LDCT is indicated for current heavy smokers and those who have quit within the past 15 years. With a clinician’s referral, LDCT from Radiology Associates is 100% covered by most insurance.
Remember, men: routine health tests are readily available and designed to prevent and mitigate health problems. Keep time on your side by taking steps to control your health, function and quality of life today. For a full spectrum of health screenings, diagnostic tests and minimally-invasive treatments designed to promote your healthiest life, give us a call at 386-274-6000.
