Men's Essential Preventive Health Screenings

Detection of early medical issues greatly improves someone's odds for survival. For men screenings can start as early as the mid 20's and continue thereafter throughout their life. Here are some of the more common screenings men should have done on a regular basis and at what age to start. Early Detection Screenings for: 1. STD and Chlamydia - STD testing should be once a year for any sexually active men up to age 27 and thereafter for any whom continue to be at risk. Anyone with multiple sexual partners should be tested for all STD diseases on a regular basis. STD testing is not just a man's responsibility however men just as women should get tested on a yearly basis if they are sexual active. Unfortunately sometimes men have fewer symptoms than women and therefore fail to get tested thereby infecting everyone they come in contact with. 2. Colorectal Cancer- Colon and rectal polyp and cancer can be detected early and treated effectively. A fecal occult blood test can be done yearly and a sigmoidoscopy every five or so years. Not to mention a colonoscopy can be done approximately every 10 years. Testing for colorectal cancer should be started around age 40 in men however if risk factors are high for colon or rectal cancer your physician may recommend you start the screening earlier. 3. Prostate Cancer - Prostate trouble is common in men as they age, the problem usually start when the prostate enlarges. However prostate cancer screenings should start in men around the age of 40 and may need to be started sooner in men with high risk factors. A PSA or prostate specific antigen test, along with a digital rectal exam can detect prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is when cells in the prostate grow out of control. Often there are no warning signs however some men have urinary symptoms and discomfort. A prostate ultrasound can also detect prostate cancer. There are plenty of treatments for prostate cancer. If you are having any trouble urinating, or think you have a prostate problem please see a medical professional immediately. 4. Glaucoma - Glaucoma screening should be done every 3 to 5 years in men depending on risk factors through the age of 39 and at least 2 years after the age of 40. Glaucoma is an eye condition that develops if too much pressure builds up inside the eye. The increase in pressure can damage the optic nerve which is what transmits images to the brain. Glaucoma can cause loss of vision and without treatment total permanent blindness. Believe it or not medical testing has shown that men who have worn neckties have shown an increase of internal eye pressure. 5. Skin Cancer - Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer. Men have an increased risk of skin cancers because some men have jobs that are outside by trade such as carpentry or lineman. However most men on average have simply spent more time doing outside labor in the elements such as the sun and often get a sunburn. Early detection therefore of skin cancers in men should be pursued adamantly. Self exams which check for any changes of the skin including color, size or shape should be routine. However if any changes are noted they should be examined by a medical professional immediately. 6. High Blood Pressure - Men have an increased risk of high blood pressure due to many contributing factors such as stress, high sodium intake, alcohol consumption, heredity, obesity and other unhealthy lifestyles. High blood pressure can be easily screened for and treated for after diagnosis is determined. High blood pressure or hypertension can cause a heart attack, strokes or death if left untreated. Men should be consistently screened for high blood pressure and if high blood pressure is diagnosed they should be counseled on lifestyle changes that they can do to help lower their blood pressure, along with proper administration of high blood pressure medications. Unfortunately I have been a nurse for a long time and men are notoriously the worst at taking their medications properly. I believe that advance detection through preventive screenings can benefit men by saving lives and providing them a jump on treatment of any medical conditions that are found. References for this article include: men.webmd.com and menshealthnetwork.org