What Health Screenings Should Men Get?

June is men’s health month – time to schedule these routine health screenings

In honor of Men’s health month, it is time to take a pulse on your health or encourage the men in your life to do so. One important way to promote health is to get the proper health screening tests. These health screens can help detect health complications early on when they are easier to treat.

Here are 6 health screenings you may need to get scheduled:

1. Blood pressure check:

One important screening every person needs is a blood pressure check. This should be done at least once a year. Knowing your blood pressure – and treating it if it’s high – can help lower the risk for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

2. Cholesterol:

High LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, low HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and elevated triglycerides can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. This information can be obtained from a simple fasting blood test. A baseline test should be done by age 20, with regular cholesterol screenings taking place beginning around age 35.

3. Diabetes:

Uncontrolled diabetes can contribute to a host of other health problems, from heart disease to nerve damage. When found early, diabetes can usually be controlled, resulting in fewer complications. Beginning at age 45, men should be screened for diabetes. If you are at an increased risk, due to family history, high blood pressure, or obesity, your doctor may recommend earlier screenings.

4. Skin cancer:

Men are more than twice as likely as women to have basal and squamous cell skin cancers. Older men are also twice as likely to develop melanoma. You should check your skin regularly for changes in color, shape, or size of marks and moles. A skin check should also routinely be done by a doctor to check for anything that looks suspicious.

5. Prostate cancer:

Screenings include a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal exam. There are risks and benefits to prostate screening tests, so talk with your doctor about if and when this screening is right for you. Men should consider screenings around age 50, or earlier if they are at an increased risk of the disease.

6. Colorectal cancer: 

Most colon cancers develop slowly over time. Colonoscopies can detect colon polyps before they turn into cancer, and if found, polyps can be removed during the procedure. Other screening tests include flexible sigmoidoscopy and virtual colonoscopy. Men should begin screenings at age 45, or earlier if they have increased risk factors for colon cancer.

Your health is important and should be taken care of. Screening regularly for the above, as well as others recommended by your doctor, will help you stay on top of your health and be treated right away if anything were to appear abnormal.

Managing your current health condition

If you or a loved one is currently struggling to manage your current health status or a chronic illness, Knute Nelson offers a full family of aging services to enhance the quality of living for you and your loved ones. If you are unsure whether it is time to consider additional help, take our short assessment to learn more about care needs and determine which services may be appropriate. To speak with a professional from our team about care options, contact us at (320)421-0242 or fill out an online form.

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Date Last Reviewed: March 27, 2019

Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor

Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD

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