Important health tests for men
Some men take good care of their automobiles but neglect their own bodies. Yet the same principles hold true for both car and driver: a checkup and a little preventive maintenance can keep them running longer!
Healthful hints
- Don’t be afraid to have tests done. The earlier a problem is detected, the greater the chance for recovery.
- Ask your doctor to schedule the test. Don’t wait for him/her to suggest it. Your health is your responsibility…you should take control.
- Call to get your results. Avoid worrying and wondering. Know what tests your insurance covers. Take advantage of free screenings such as blood pressure and cholesterol. Schedule as many tests as possible in one visit.
- Keep on schedule. Don’t forget to record the date of each test and the results.
| Test | Age | Frequency |
| Blood Glucose (to test for diabetes) | 20 and older | every five years or as directed by doctor** |
| Blood Pressure (to detect high blood pressure—a risk factor for heart disease, strokes, and other problems) | 20 and older | every two years or as directed by doctor** |
| Cardiovascular Disease Risk Screening (to determine risk for heart disease and stroke) | 20 and older | includes body mass index, waist circumference, pulse and blood pressure at least every two years and cholesterol and glucose testing at least every five years |
| Cholesterol Test (to check if cholesterol content of blood is too high—a major factor in heart disease) | 20 and older | every five years or as directed by doctor. |
| Colorectal Exam (to screen for colorectal cancer, which is highly treatable with early detection) | 50 and older |
one of these schedules: 1. Fecal Occult Blood Test annually 2. Flexible Sigmoidoscopy every five years* 3. Fecal Occult Blood Test every year along with Flexible Sigmoidoscopy every five years*+ 4. Colonoscopy every 10 years* five. Double-Contrast Barium Enema every five years* |
| PSA—Prostate Specific Antigen Blood Test (to detect prostate cancer; a digital rectal exam (DRE) is recommended at the same time) | 50 and older | recommended yearly to men beginning at age 50 who have at least a 10-year life expectancy. Men at high risk, such as African Americans and men who have a first-degree relative (father, brother, or son) diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age (younger than age 65), should begin testing at age 45. Men at even higher risk (because they have several first-degree relatives who had prostate cancer at an early age) could begin testing at age 40. |
| Routine Physical Exam (to maintain health and catch problems early; should include cancer-related checkups) | 18 and older | annually or as directed by doctor |
| Testicular Exam (self-exam: to check for painless lumps that could indicate testicular cancer; professional exam: to check for testicular cancer) | 15 and older | self-exam monthly if risk factors are present; professional exam when you have a complete physical exam or upon detection of lumps. |
Note: If you are at moderate or high risk for certain diseases or conditions, ask your doctor about the need for more frequent tests and/or screenings.
* A Digital Rectal Exam should be done at the same time as Sigmoidoscopy, Colonoscopy or Double-Contrast Barium Enema.
+ Of the first three options, the American Cancer Society prefers option 3