To maintain good
health requires regular medical tests, check-ups, and screenings for men and
women.
However, many men tend to neglect their health and skip
important medical tests. A study shows men do not seek professional
help until whatever ailment they are battling worsens, which isn’t right.
Below are the important medical tests you need as a man to
maintain your health and live longer.
PSA test is a blood test basically used to screen for
prostate cancer.
During the test, the amount of PSA in the blood is measured.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by both cancerous and
noncancerous tissue in the prostate, a small gland that sits below the bladder
in males.
PSA test helps to detect the level of PSA in the body. High
PSA level can indicate prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is quite common so having
the PSA test can help detect it early so one can begin treatment on time.
According to the American Cancer Society, a man should
start PSA screening at age 50. However, men at high risk of developing prostate
cancer should start at age 40-45.
- Testicular
exam
This exam is a check of the look and feel of your testicles,
to see if there are lumps, bumps, or changes in size or shape that could be
cancer or another problem.
Even though testicular cancer is
not common, it has been recommended that men between the ages of
15 and 35 should self-examine their testicles once a month.
It also stated that this test is preferably done after a
warm shower or bath when the scrotum is relaxed.
- Blood
pressure screening
Blood pressure screening should be an important part of your
routine checkup.
High blood pressure is a common health problem that can
increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.
This is why men have been advised to
always have blood pressure screening every two years or more often depending on
how high the risk is.
- Diabetes
screening
To control the risk of diabetes, having a blood test that
checks your blood glucose (sugar) levels is important.
Adults without risk factors for diabetes have been
recommended to be screened for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes starting at age
35 by American Diabetes Association (ADA).
- Colorectal
cancer screening
According to the American Cancer Society, men are more at
risk of colon cancer. This is why a colonoscopy is one of the important medical
tests you need to take as a man.
Colon cancer, also called colorectal cancer, is a growth of
cells that forms in the lower end of the digestive tract. Most of these cancers
start as non-cancerous growths called polyps.
Removing polyps can prevent cancer, which is why it has
been recommended that
from age 45, there should be regular screenings for cancer.
- Sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs) test
As a man, if you are sexually active, getting tested for
STDs is one of the most important things to do to protect your health.
Most STDs are treatable so it is best to screen regularly in
order to detect them quickly. Early detection of STDs helps to prevent the case
from worsening or spreading to a partner.
So as a sexually active man, you should
get tested at least once a year for syphilis,
chlamydia, and gonorrhea. And more frequently if you have multiple partners.
Also, you should get tested for HIV at least once a year and
once a year for hepatitis C, if living with HIV.
However, speaking to a professional is very important before
taking steps on screening. They are the right person to state when and which
screening is appropriate for you based on your age, current health condition,
and family history.
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