Men's health: Checkups, screenings key

Historically, men have been hesitant to seek medical attention when something seems wrong with their health. Also, men aren't as likely as women to have preventive screenings and checkups with their healthcare team. This is a problem because early detection of a medical issue is the best way to treat and manage it effectively.

Why should you reconsider your reservations about seeing a healthcare professional? Delaying or avoiding a checkup or screening could lead to a treatable situation turning deadly.

While you should get some screenings, such as HIV and hepatitis C, you should have other screenings for certain conditions and cancers regularly.

Vaccines also are essential to prevent infectious diseases. Vaccinations for men are administered at different intervals throughout adulthood.

Regular physical exams

Males older than 50 should have a yearly physical exam, and those younger than 50 should have a physical exam every three to five years. Even if you're feeling healthy, a regular checkup with your healthcare team is an excellent way to validate your health or identify a problem in its early stages.

Another thing to think about: Health isn't only physical. Talk to your healthcare team about your mental and emotional health. If you're struggling in those areas, effective help is available.

Screening can identify specific conditions and cancers, including:

Abdominal aortic aneurysm

For men between 65 and 75 who have smoked more than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a one-time abdominal aortic aneurysm screening ultrasound. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an enlarged area in the lower part of the aorta, the major blood vessel that supplies blood to the body. Because the aorta is the body's main supplier of blood, a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm can cause life-threatening bleeding. Men over 60 with a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm should consider repeat screening at regular intervals.

Colon cancer

Colon cancer screening should begin at age 45 or 10 years prior to an age at which an immediate relative was diagnosed with colon cancer. For example, get screened at age 36 if your mother was diagnosed at age 46. A colonoscopy is a traditional, effective procedure to identify colon cancer or precancerous polyps. A more recent noninvasive option available is a take-home test to screen for colon cancer.

Talk to your healthcare professional about which option is best for you.

Diabetes

If you're older than 45 or have a body mass index above 25, no matter your age, the American Diabetes Association recommends that you be screened for diabetes. Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes symptoms can happen slowly and may not be noticeable, so staying aware of your blood sugar levels and risk of developing diabetes is essential.

High blood pressure

A blood pressure reading is a good indication to many aspects of your health. High blood pressure can lead to many physical problems, especially those associated with the heart.

You should have your blood pressure checked at least every two years. However, talk to your healthcare professional about having it checked more frequently if you have high blood pressure or are at risk of developing high blood pressure.

High cholesterol

Like high blood pressure, high cholesterol may pose serious risks to your health and well-being. Starting at age 18, men at average risk for heart disease should have a cholesterol screening every five years. If you have a family history of high cholesterol or heart attacks, smoke, eat a poor diet, are overweight, have diabetes, are physically inactive or older than 45, you may need more frequent testing.

Lung cancer

The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommends annual screening for lung cancer with a low-dose CT for adults ages 50 to 80 who have a 20-pack-per-year smoking history, currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years. Screening can be stopped when a person has not smoked for 15 years or develops a health problem that substantially limits life expectancy.

Prostate cancer

Many organizations advise men to be screened for prostate cancer starting at age 50. However, the subject is somewhat controversial, so the best course of action is to discuss what's best for you with your healthcare team.

Do yourself and your family a favor by protecting your health with regular checkups and screenings.

Mohammed Solaiman, M.D., is a physician in Family Medicine in St. Peter, Minnesota.