Now is a great time to focus on the importance of men’s health and wellness. Awareness, prevention, and education are key, as are health screenings, which can help detect issues early as men age.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease and cancer are among the top leading causes of death for men. This is an essential reminder that men’s health should be taken seriously, and early detection can play a critical role in managing and preventing some of these issues.
Recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), an independent voluntary panel of experts in primary care, prevention, and evidence-based practice, include a roster of screenings appropriate for men of any age. Below are just a few:
- Regular blood pressure checks to detect hypertension.
- Checking cholesterol levels to prevent heart-related issues (for men aged 35 and above). Consult your primary care physician to discuss the option of undergoing a low dose CT cardiac calcium score test, which can aid in the early detection of any potential issues.
- Colorectal cancer screening (beginning at age 45 for average-risk men or earlier based on family history).
- Screening for Type 2 Diabetes (starting at age 35 for men with risk factors such as obesity or family history). Did you know, nutritional counseling services are available through our partnership with Simplex Health? To learn more, visit simplexhealth.com or call 1-877-842-2425.
- Discussing the benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening with a health care professional (for men aged 50 or older).
- Lung cancer screening (at age 55 for current or past smokers). You may be a candidate for a low-dose CT (LDCT) scan, which can detect lung cancer earlier. Click here for more information or call 215-938-LUNG (5864).
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening (at age 65 for men who have never smoked).
These are only general guidelines and there are others to consider for issues like alcohol use disorder, depression, obesity, tobacco use, HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and syphilis, for example.
You should always consult with your doctor for personalized recommendations based on your individual needs and risk factors. It may also help to have additional conversations about diabetes, skin cancer prevention, and a diet designed to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Finally, your doctor can also assist in determining which vaccines may require a booster or re-dose. While vaccines for flu and COVID-19 are top of mind these days, you should also ask about vaccines for pneumonia, Tdap, shingles, meningitis, chicken pox, and Hepatitis A and B.
To find a doctor who is right for you, visit our provider directory or call the Redeemer Health Physician Referral Service at 800-818-4747.
Preventive Screenings Chart
