A lot of times we put off visiting the doctor for routine checkups because we look and feel fine. However, this may not always be the case. There are many instances when adult men who are seemingly fit and healthy succumb to fatal diseases. Usually, these diseases are preventable and highly curable, but are discovered in an advanced or incurable stage because the signs and symptoms were not detected early on. Hence, men’s health screenings are highly recommended by doctors.
What is the purpose of men’s health screenings?
The purpose of men’s health screenings are:
- To assess one’s lifestyle and its influence on health
- To detect signs and symptoms of certain diseases
- To evaluate risks that can affect your health in the future given your personal and family’s medical history
- To give information on medical providers that you can contact when needed
- To recommend action plans and prevent developing medical conditions and disease that can be avoided
What are the diseases affecting men that health screenings can help detect?
There are different diseases that can affect men that may show little to no symptoms at all. Some may be passed on from one generation in their family to another while others can be developed due to lifestyle factors. Below are the most common diseases affecting men that health screenings can help detect:
1. Cancer
There are three types of cancer that men should look out for especially as they get older. These are:
- Colon cancer
- Lung cancer
- Prostate cancer
Colon cancer is a disease that affects the colon or rectum. This type of cancer may not exhibit any symptoms, but it is health screenings can help detect abnormalities inside the colon that may lead to cancer. Abnormal growths in the lining of the large intestine called polyps may be removed and assessed for signs of cancer. Colon cancer is more prevalent in men than in women.
Lung cancer happens when the cells in the lungs grow and multiply uncontrollably. This type of cancer is often detected at an advanced stage already and spreads quickly to other parts of the body, which makes the survival rate of a person diagnosed with this illness very low. Individuals who use tobacco heavily have a higher chance of developing lung cancer. Catching this disease early on doubles the chances of a person’s survival rate.
Prostate cancer is a common cancer diagnosed in men as they get older particularly in men that have passed the age of 65. Men who have this cancer present in their family lineage are twice at risk of developing it. This disease may show no symptoms at times, so it is important that men get screened in order to detect its occurrence.
2. Cardiovascular illnesses
Cardiovascular illnesses are more common and also develop earlier in men than women. The factors that increase the risk of getting heart problems in men include:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Lifestyle
- Low testosterone
- Stress
- Underlying health conditions
Preventing cardiovascular illnesses from occurring can be done by subjecting them to recommended routine heart screenings.
3. Infectious diseases
Hepatitis C is an infectious disease caused by a virus that affects more men than women. This disease do not often show any signs and symptoms during its early stages, but in rare instances some men may exhibit the following:
- Body aches
- Jaundice or yellowing of the eyes and skin
- Loss of appetite
- Unintentional weight loss
This disease is also more severe in men and can progress to liver cirrhosis or fibrosis. The spread of this disease can happen through sexual activity or when a person comes into contact with any food, drink, or object that has been infected with the virus.
Another disease that men should get screened for is HIV and AIDS. It is recommended that all adults between 13 and 64 years old should undergo a screening once.
What are the health screenings recommended for men?
Blood pressure screening
- Annual screening for
- Individuals who have other medical conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, kidney problems
- Individuals who are overweight or obese
- Individuals who have a family history of high blood pressure
- Result of blood pressure is anywhere at 120 to 129 mm Hg over 70 to 79 mm Hg
- Interval of three to five years given the following conditions:
- The results of the blood pressure test are normal.
- The individual has low risk for high blood pressure.
Cancer screening
- Colon cancer
- Initial screening recommended at the age of 45 years old.
- Earlier screening for men who have an increased risk of getting the disease.
- Lung cancer
- Initial screening is recommended at the age of 55 provided that they have stopped smoking in the last 15 years and exhibit good health.
- Prostate cancer
- Initial screening for men is when they reach the age of 55 years old.
- Earlier screening for men is recommended for those who are at high risk especially if a first-degree family member (e.g. father or brother) had this disease.
Cholesterol screening
- 20 years old
- Initial screening for men who are at high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Frequency of health screenings depends on the recommendation of your physician.
- 45 years old
- Initial screening for men who have no risk factors of developing cardiovascular diseases. Normal results can retake cholesterol levels five years after.
Diabetes screening
- Below the age of 35 years old
- Initial screening is recommended earlier for individuals who have family relations that are diagnosed with diabetes, high blood pressure or heart conditions.
- Earlier screenings are also recommended for overweight or obese individuals.
Infectious disease screening
- 15 to 65 years old
- Recommended to undergo a one-time screening for HIV.
- 18 to 79 years old
- Recommended to undergo a one-time screening for Hepatitis C.
What are the different procedures or tests used for men’s health screenings?
Below are the usual procedures or tests used for men’s health screenings:
- Biopsies for cancer screening
- Blood pressure test
- Blood tests
- Antigen/Antibody test to detect HIV
- Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test, Hemoglobin A1C blood test, or oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to detect diabetes
- Hep C antibody test to detect Hepatitis C
- Lipid profile to check cholesterol
- Prostate-specific antigen test to detect prostate cancer
- Colonoscopy for cancer screening
- Digital rectal exam (DRE), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or Ultrasound for prostate cancer screening
- Low-dose computed tomography (low-dose CT scan) to detect lung cancer
For additional information about men’s health screening, contact Zest Clinic.
Zest Clinic
Precious Medical Centre
80 Marine Parade Road
#01-11B Parkway Parade
Singapore 449269
+65 9176 9378
Eufloria dispensary consultants are trained to listen to the clients, identify particular ailments or experiences, and offer medicinal-focused recommendations to help. We believe that a satisfied client starts with an educated one and our goal is to treat people above and beyond selling products.
