The annual check-up is an important part of everyone's health. It's the chance for you and your doctor to be proactive and can often catch health issues before they become big problems. Many people feel they are too busy to take the time for an annual exam. Men in particular seem to feel that as long as they feel fine, there's no reason to see a doctor.
Seeing a doctor annually lets your doctor get to know you and your health history. Annual exams are also the perfect opportunity to stay on top of screening tests. Screening tests and a good relationship with your physician are two great ways to catch health issues early. Screening tests vary depending on your age and history but here are six important screening tests for adult men.
The prostate gland is located in the pelvic region, under the bladder and adjacent to the rectum. Your doctor will examine your prostate manually during your annual exam and if abnormalities are felt, may recommend blood tests or imaging to screen for potential cancer, benign hyperplasia or prostatitis. If you are experiencing the following symptoms, don't wait for an annual exam to see your doctor about your prostate.
These symptoms can also be caused by other, less serious conditions and do not necessarily mean that you have prostate cancer. It is important, however, to see your doctor if you are having any of these symptoms.
Learn more about prostate cancer >>
The testicles (or testes) are a pair of male sex glands that produce sperm and male hormones. They are located under the penis in a sac-like pouch called the scrotum. Your doctor will examine your testicles manually during an annual exam and if abnormalities are felt, may recommend additional screening such as blood tests, imaging, or a biopsy.
If you are experiencing the following symptoms, don't wait for an annual exam to see your doctor about your testicles:
Note: Any of these symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your doctor.
Learn more about testicular cancer >>
The large intestine, or colon, absorbs water and nutrients from foods. There are rarely symptoms of colon cancer which is why the American Cancer Society recommends colon screening with a colonoscopy for everyone starting at age 50 (earlier based on your personal health history).
If you are experiencing the following symptoms, don't wait for an annual exam to see your doctor about your colon:
Learn more about colon cancer >>
High blood pressure is defined as systolic pressure greater than 140mmHg and/or diastolic pressure greater than 90 mmHg. You are considered prehypertensive if your systolic blood pressure is between 120-139 mmHg, or your diastolic pressure is between 80-89 mmHg. High blood pressure is more common in men, older adults, and people of African American descent. It is important to regularly measure your blood pressure because high blood pressure puts stress on the heart, lungs, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels. Over time, this condition can damage these organs and tissues.
Learn more about high blood pressure >>
Type 2 diabetes is a disorder in which the cells are not responding to the high levels of insulin circulating in the body. Type 2 diabetes occurs because either one or both of the following conditions exist:
People older than 45 years old are at higher risk of developing this condition, but it can occur at any age - even during childhood. Being overweight or obese is the primary case of insulin resistance, and it increases the chance of developing Type 2 diabetes. If diabetes is left untreated, serious health complications can occur. These complications affect the eyes, heart, kidneys, blood and nerve supply, and immune system.
In order to detect prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends the following guidelines. Screen adults of any age who are overweight or obese with one or more of these risk factors:
If the results are normal, the ADA recommends screening again in 3 years
There are different types of cholesterol in your blood including:
The risk of high cholesterol increases with age. It is more common in men. High cholesterol is diagnosed with a blood test. If you have high cholesterol, your doctor will discuss lifestyle and diet changes, as well as medication if needed.