By Pete Alfano
Avoiding an annual physical exam is not manly. Neither is it wise to dismiss symptoms that might be a red flag for a serious issue. This becomes increasingly true as men age. For example, recent studies show that younger people — men and women — are getting cancer at a higher rate than ever before. You are not immune because you are in your twenties or thirties.
So, no matter how good a man feels, he should get an annual exam. There are diseases and disorders such as prostate and colon cancer, cardiovascular disease, anemia, and high blood pressure that often do not have any obvious early warning signs or symptoms. Preventive care will enable a doctor to diagnose a medical issue early on so that treatment can be proactive and not reactive.
Men should give their healthcare providers a blueprint of their potential health issues by knowing their family history on both sides of their family tree. Genetics plays an important role in predicting problems that may develop over time. It is essential to weigh family history against lifestyle habits such as a poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, obesity, smoking, and vaping.
Heart disease remains the No. 1 cause of death among men in the U.S., accounting for 24% of fatalities. Cancer ranks second at 22%. This should not come as a surprise, and neither has to be a death sentence if diagnosed early. A (PCP) will likely refer you to a cardiologist, gastroenterologist, urologist, or other specialist if bloodwork and routine office exams uncover
suspicious results.
A primary care physician (PCP) will also ask their male patients about their mental health. How much stress do they feel? Are they happy in their job and home life? Are they getting enough sleep and giving themselves leisure time to spend with family and friends? Are they depressed? Answering honestly is vital as a poor mental outlook can play a role in physical ailments, among them insomnia, ulcers, and other gastrointestinal disorders.
For married couples, medical experts encourage women to accompany their husbands to the doctor. In some cases, both may decide to have the same primary care physician and schedule their annual physical for the same day, and having a partner there could facilitate discussions about concerns.
All these rules apply to women, too. Still, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that women are 33% more likely to visit a doctor and 100% better at getting regular screening and preventative care than men.
If you have been delaying routine exams or avoiding current health issues, now is the time to put your health back on track and make an appointment today.
Age-Appropriate Testing
Men should never dismiss persistent chest pain. They should not ignore blood in their urine or in their stool. These symptoms can range from gastroenteritis and infections to early signs of heart disease or cancer. These preventive screenings could help keep
men ahead of the curve.
Prostate digital exam and PSA blood work:
For most men, annual testing by your primary care physician can begin when men reach 50, but sooner if there is a family history of prostate cancer.
Colonoscopy:
Because colon cancer is becoming more prevalent among younger people, testing should begin when men reach 45, but sooner if there is a family history.
Cardio Stress Test:
There is no designated age for this testing but men who suffer from shortness of breath or experience undiagnosed chest pain, are overweight or are beginning an exercise program should consider this test.
