The Top Men's Health Screenings

The more we age, the more our health tends to change, altering the types of tests and screenings that are required. In addition to age, gender plays an important role in the steps we need to take for health and wellness.

To support men’s health, we wanted to shed light on a few of the most vital men’s health screenings, so you can ensure that you are doing everything you can to take charge of your preventive care:

Regular Physical Screenings

Annual physical exams by a health professional are an important part of wellness. During your visit, your health care provider will explain the types of screenings and standard testing you’ll need to undergo. When you attend your regular checkups you can expect to:

• Be screened for medical problems and assessed for future risks
• Have the necessary preventive screenings or vaccinations
• Have your blood pressure, heart rate and all other vital signs checked
• Have a mental health assessment done
• Build a stronger relationship with your doctor

Cancer Screenings

One of the most vital parts of cancer care is early detection. Another is knowing your family history, when to start screening and how to be screened. Some of the most common cancers that men should be screened for include:

Colorectal: The National Cancer Institute recommends that screening start at aged 50 or sooner if you have a strong family history of polyps or colon cancer.

Lung: Though smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, it doesn’t mean nonsmokers aren’t at risk. If you are a former smoker, have a family history of lung cancer or have been exposed to second-hand smoke, talk to your doctor about testing.

Prostate: As you age, your chance of developing prostate cancer increases. Screening usually begins at aged 50, but your doctor may recommend starting sooner if you are African American or have a relative who was younger than aged 65, when diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Heart Disease and Cholesterol Screenings

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States, and between 70 percent and 89 percent of sudden cardiac events occur in men. Knowing the signs of a cardiac event can help you react quickly to get the life-saving care needed.

With regular blood work, you can identify high cholesterol levels and take the necessary steps to correct and improve your health, lowering your risk of heart disease and stroke. It’s suggested that adults aged 20 or older should get their cholesterol checked every four to six years, but talk to your doctor about your risk factors and how often you should get tested.

Make your health a top priority. Southwest General Medical Group, Inc. includes primary and specialty care physicians who can work closely with you to help you stay healthy through the years. To learn more about our services or schedule an appointment, visit our website.