A Men's Guide to Health Checkups
Blood Pressure
Every two years, Age 18 - 49; Yearly, Age 50+
High blood pressure (hypertension), if left untreated, can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney problems. A blood pressure reading of 140/90 indicates the first stage of high blood pressure and may require lifestyle changes to bring it under control. Men who are overweight, suffer from diabetes or have a history of high blood pressure, stroke, heart or kidney disease should have their blood pressure tested annually.
Cholesterol Test
Baseline Total Cholesterol Measurement, Age 20 - 29; Every five years after first test, Age 20+
To lower the risk of heart attack or stroke, men should have a blood test that measures both high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol — fatty substances found in the blood. Exercise and dietary changes are often recommended by physicians to lower cholesterol to healthy levels.
Eye Exam
Vision screening, Age 3; School system, pre-kindergarten screening, Age 5; Every three years, Age 6 - 50; Yearly, Age 51+
Eye problems are not only debilitating conditions, but they can also be symptoms of complications from conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Ophthalmologists will check for symptoms of vision loss, as well as increased eye pressure (glaucoma), deterioration of the retina (macular degeneration) and clouding of the eye lens (cataracts). Men who wear glasses or contacts, or have a family history of eye disease, may need to have their eyes checked more frequently.
Testicular Exam
Self-examination, Monthly, Age 15+; Physical exam, Every two or three years, Age 15+
With testicular cancer being the most common form of cancer in men, the National Cancer Institute advises men to begin testicular self-examination at an early age. Men should check both testicles for changes in size, shape or consistency, and report any abnormalities to their physician, who can perform a more detailed examination.
Prostate Exam
Yearly, Age 50+
This exam checks for enlargement or cancer of the prostate gland — an organ that wraps around the urethra at the base of the bladder and controls the release of urine. An exam may include a digital rectal exam (DRE), a direct check of the prostate gland for tumors or growths, and the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, which tests the blood for the amount of protein secreted by the prostate gland. African-American men or men with a family history of prostate cancer should be tested more frequently.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Baseline screening, Age 50; Every three to five years, if baseline screening is normal, Age 51+
Detection of this form of cancer is done through a fecal blood test (checks for blood in the stool), colonoscopy (examination of the colon and rectum) or sigmoidoscopy (examination of the lower colon and rectum). These exams are designed to locate polyps that may develop into cancerous tumors. Men who have a family history of polyps, colon cancer or ulcerative colitis may have a higher risk of colorectal cancer.
Dental Exam
Yearly, Age 18+
The risk of developing oral cancer is two times as high for men as it is for women. Men also have an increased risk of periodontitis (bleeding gums, loose and/or stained teeth), which has been linked to heart disease. A dental checkup consists of an examination of the teeth, gums, tongue and mouth.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Baseline ECG, Age 40; As recommended, Age 41+
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, making the ECG an important identification tool. The ECG detects damage to the heart or abnormal heart rhythms by measuring electrical impulses. Additional cardiac tests, such as stress tests, provide physicians with additional information about a man's heart health. By detecting heart disease in its early stages, physicians can recommend appropriate lifestyle changes, medication or treatment.
Bone Density Exam
Baseline Bone Density Exam, Age 65; Every two years, if the patient has osteoporosis, Age 66+
Men may begin losing bone mass at age 65 to 70 and develop osteoporosis — a weakening of the body's bone structure. A bone density exam can help determine the risk of fractures and the rate of bone mass loss.
Note: Men who are at increased risk for cancer, heart disease or other conditions may need to have these exams earlier or more frequently. Consult your physician for more information. For referral to a physician, call the Memorial Healthcare System
Physican Referral Service at (800) 944-DOCS.