For a long time, men were hesitant to seek medical attention when their health appeared to be deteriorating. This has changed recently. As a result of these differences, men are less likely than women to visit their healthcare provider for preventive screening and checkups. 

As a medical professional, you know that early detection of a medical problem is essential for effective treatment and management.

According to experts, delaying or avoiding a checkup or screening as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic could result in the death of someone with a treatable condition.

Because of this, men should reconsider their apprehensions about visiting the doctor and consult with their healthcare team about the following potentially lifesaving screenings:

Regular physical exams

Having a physical exam once a year is recommended for men over the age of 50, and once every three to five years is recommended for men under the age of 50. Even if you believe you are in good health, scheduling a routine checkup with your provider is excellent to confirm that you are in good health or catch a problem early.

An additional factor to consider is that health is not solely a physical state. Consult your healthcare provider about your mental and emotional well-being. If you are experiencing difficulties in any of those areas, you can receive practical assistance.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends that men aged 65 to 75 who have smoked more than 100 cigarettes undergo an abdominal aortic aneurysm screening ultrasound at least once in their lifetime. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a painful enlargement of the aorta, the body’s main blood vessel, that occurs in the abdominal region. This type of aneurysm can rupture and cause life-threatening bleeding if it is not treated immediately. Males over the age of 60 who have a personal or family history of abdominal aortic aneurysms should regularly consider screening their abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Blood pressure

A blood pressure reading can provide valuable information about various aspects of your health, including your cardiovascular health. High blood pressure can result in multiple physical problems, the most serious of which is heart disease. A blood pressure check would be beneficial at the very least every two years, but more frequent checks would be even better. Nonetheless, Ask your doctor to check your blood pressure more frequently if you have high blood pressure or are at risk of developing it.

Cholesterol

In the same way that high blood pressure can be dangerous to your health and well-being, elevated cholesterol levels can be just as dangerous. Males at average risk of heart disease should have a cholesterol screening every five years starting at 18 and continuing until 65. Smoking, eating an unhealthy diet, being overweight, being diabetic, being inactive, or being over the age of 45 are all risk factors for high cholesterol and heart disease, and you may require more frequent testing.

Diabetes

It is recommended that you have a diabetes screening if you are over 45 years old or have a body mass index greater than 25, regardless of your age, according to the American Diabetes Association. It is critical to monitor your blood sugar levels and diabetes risk because type 2 diabetes and prediabetes symptoms can develop gradually and go undetected for long periods.

Colon cancer

It is recommended to begin colon cancer screening at 45 or ten years before a close relative is diagnosed with colon cancer. For example, if your mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at 46, you should begin screening at the age of 36. In the detection of colon cancer or precancerous polyps, colonoscopy is a time-tested and highly effective technique. In recent years, a noninvasive option for colon cancer screening has emerged: a take-home test. Consult with your doctor to determine the most appropriate course of action for you.

Prostate cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, several organizations recommend that men begin screening for prostate cancer at 50. However, due to the polarizing nature of the subject, it is best to consult with your healthcare team to determine what is best for you in this situation.

Schedule regular appointments and screenings to keep your health and the health of your family in good shape.