Health Exams for Men - 11 Major Screenings

Dear Dr. Dave & Dr. Dee,

Someone at work was telling us about their cholesterol results and stated that getting that checked was important for men. What about women? Is getting cholesterol tested that important?

Signed,

Checking on cholesterol

Dear Checking on cholesterol,

Heart disease is the number killer for both men and women. Undesirable levels of cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis (plaques or fatty deposits in your arteries), which raises the risk of heart disease and stroke. A simple blood test can determine the levels of cholesterol and if necessary, treatment (diet, exercise, medication) to control the cholesterol.

However, a cholesterol test is one of many important health screenings for men and women to find problems in its early stages in order to improve the chances of successful treatment.

In brief, below are preventive screening tests and immunizations for men by U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (2008). Health exams for women can be found in the next letter.

The following recommendations are general guidelines for screening procedures for men at average risk for most diseases. Your health care provider will personalize the timing of each test and immunization to best meet your health care needs.

1. General Health: full checkup including weight and height.

2. Heart Health:

a. Blood pressure every two years beginning at age 18. Helps detect high blood pressure (blood flow resistance) that could lead to risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney damage.

b. Cholesterol: every 5 years over age 20 or more often as necessary. Undesirable levels of cholesterols can raise the risk of heart attack and stroke

3. Diabetes: Fasting blood sugar test every 3 years beginning at age 45 or earlier if at risk for diabetes.

4. Prostate Health:

a. Digital Rectal Exam as determined by your doctor or nurse.

b. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test: discuss with your doctor.

5. Reproductive Health

a. Testicular examination: beginning at age 18, monthly self-exam and part of a general checkup.

b. Chlamydia test: discuss with your doctor or nurse.

c. Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Screening Tests: both partners should get tested for STDs and HIV before initiating sexual intercourse.

6. Colorectal Health: screening for colon and rectal cancer should begin at age 50 or sooner if at high risk. Frequency of exam depend on type of screening procedure such as yearly fecal occult blood test (FOBT), flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, or colonoscopy every 10 years.

7. Eye and Ear Health:

a. Eye exam any time you have a problem with your eyes, or at least once between the ages of 20-29, at least twice between the ages of 30-39, every 2 to 4 years between the ages of 40 and 64, and every 1-2 years after age 65.

b. Hearing Test: every 10 years starting at age 18, then every 3 years after age 50.

8. Skin Health: monthly mole self-exam; by a doctor every 3 years beginning at age 20, then every year after age 40. To check for skin cancer, your doctor examines your skin for moles.

9. Oral Health: Dental exam 1-2 times a year.

10. Mental Health Screening: discuss with your doctor or nurse.

11. Immunizations:

a. Influenza vaccine: age 18 to 49 discuss with your doctor or nurse; age 50 and older every year.

b. Pneumococcal: age 65 or older one time.

c. Tetanus-Diphtheria Booster vaccine: every 10 years.

d. Meningococcal vaccine: discuss with your doctor or nurse if attending college.

e. Herpes zoster vaccine (to prevent shingles): starting at age 60, one time only, ask your doctor if it is okay to get it.

For more information, go to http://www.womenshealth.gov/screeningcharts/men/