The Importance of Men's Health Screening Tests
Men’s Health: The Importance of Screening Tests
Proactive measures like regular health screenings can help you maintain optimal health. Even if you feel fine, you should still see your provider for regular checkups and preventative healthcare.
Regular screenings can help you avoid problems in the future because they can detect potential health issues in the earliest, most treatable stages.
Regular medical screening can:
- Diagnosis current medical conditions
- Assess risks for future medical conditions
- Encourage a healthier lifestyle
- Update vaccinations and other preventive care services
There are specific times when you should receive health screenings. Below are screening guidelines recommended by The US Preventive Services Task Force.
Screening for heart conditions
Your blood pressure should be checked at least once every 3 to 5 years, though certain health conditions could mean more frequent checks.
After 40, it should be checked at least once a year. Cholesterol screening should begin at age 35, though it may be recommended more frequently depending on your personal risk factors.
This test should be repeated at least once every 5 years. If you are age 65 to 75 and have smoked, you should also have an ultrasound to screen for abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Wellness screening
You should be screened for diabetes starting at age 35. This test should be repeated every 3 years. Screening may need to start earlier and be repeated more often if you have other risk factors for diabetes.
Screening for osteoporosis is recommended for men beginning at age 50 who have certain risk factors such as long-term steroid use, low body weight, smoking, heavy alcohol use, having a fracture after age 50, or a family history of hip fracture or osteoporosis.
Infectious disease screening
Clinicians should screen for HIV infection in adolescents and adults aged 15 to 65 years. Younger adolescents and older adults who are at increased risk of infection should also be screened. Similarly, all adults 18 to 79 years old should be screened for hepatitis C.
Depending on your lifestyle and medical history, you may also need to be screened for other infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
Cancer screening
Your provider may discuss and recommend a PSA test if you have an increased risk for prostate cancer. If you choose to be tested, the PSA blood test is repeated over time (yearly or less often), though the best frequency is not known. For men 70 or older, a discussion with your clinician should occur prior to using PSA for screening.
Your provider may recommend colon cancer screening if you are at an increased risk for colon cancer. Regular screening is usually recommended for all men after age 45, with the frequency depending on the type of screening. This should be repeated until age 75.
Depending on your age and risk factors, your provider may also recommend screenings for skin cancer and lung cancer. Lung cancer screenings usually begin at age 50 if you have certain risk factors.
Visit your provider
Recommended screening tests save lives because they catch health problems in the most treatable stages – or even before symptoms arise. Don’t wait until a health condition or medical emergency occurs to see your provider. Schedule an appointment today!
Remember to choose a trusted laboratory like HNL Lab Medicine for your recommended lab work. We have many convenient and easily accessible locations or, for a nominal fee, HNL @Home – Concierge can even bring the lab to you!
HNL Lab Tests Direct offers a variety of health screening options that can be ordered through our platform, testing can be done at any HNL Lab Medicine Patient Service Center.
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REFERENCES
¹ National Library of Medicine. (2023, August 01). Health screenings for men ages 18 to 39. National Institutes of Health. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007464.htm.
² National Library of Medicine. (2022, April 30). Health screenings for men ages 40 to 64. National Institutes of Health. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007465.htm.
³ National Library of Medicine. (2022, April 30). Health screenings for men age 65 and older. National Institutes of Health. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007466.htm.