Screening tests are an important part of men’s health. They can help detect diseases and conditions early on, when they are most treatable. Screening tests can also help prevent some diseases from developing in the first place. In this blog post, we will discuss nine screening tests that all men should have.
Lung Cancer:
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. Screening for lung cancer can help detect it early, when it is most treatable. There are two main types of lung cancer screening tests: low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) and sputum cytology. LDCT is more effective than sputum cytology and is the preferred screening test for most men, especially those who have a history of smoking.
Prostate Cancer:
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. Screening for prostate cancer can help detect it early, when it is most treatable. The two main types of prostate cancer screening tests are the digital rectal exam (DRE) and the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. Most men can start prostate screenings around the age of 50, however those with high risk or a family history of prostate cancer should start around the age of 40.
Testicular Cancer:
Testicular cancer is a rare but serious type of cancer that usually affects men between the ages of 20-54. Screening for testicular cancer can help detect it early, when it is most treatable. The main type of testicular cancer screening test is a physical or self exam of the testicles. Any lumps, bumps, or changes in the size and shape of the testes should be evaluated.
Colorectal Cancer:
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in men. Screening for colorectal cancer can help detect it early, when it is most treatable. The main type of colorectal cancer screening tests are the colonoscopy. During a colonoscopy, a thin tube with a tiny camera is inserted into the colon to screen for and remove polyps. Colon cancer screenings are recommended to start at age 50.
Skin Cancer:
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in men. Screening for skin cancer can help detect it early, when it is most treatable. The main types of skin cancer screening tests are the visual exam and the skin biopsy.
Hypertension:
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common condition that can lead to serious health problems. Screening for hypertension can help detect it early, when it is most treatable. The main type of hypertension screening test is the blood pressure test.
High Cholesterol:
High cholesterol is a common condition that can lead to serious health problems. Screening for high cholesterol can help detect it early, when it is most treatable. The main type of high cholesterol screening test is a blood draw with a lipid panel.
Type II Diabetes:
Type II diabetes is a common condition that can lead to serious health problems. One-third of people with type II diabetes don’t even know they have it. Screening for type II diabetes can help detect it early, when it is most treatable. The main type of type II diabetes screening test is the fasting plasma glucose test. This screening should start around the age of 45.
HIV:
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a serious condition that can lead to AIDS. Screening for HIV can help detect it early and prevent it from being spread to others. The main type of HIV screening test is the HIV antibody test.
Glaucoma:
Glaucoma is a serious condition that can lead to blindness. Screening for glaucoma can help detect it early, when it is most treatable. The main type of glaucoma screening test is the visual field test.
In Conclusion
In this blog post, we discussed nine screening tests that all men should have. Screening tests can help detect diseases and conditions early on, when they are most treatable. These are just some of the many screening tests that men should have. Be sure to talk to your doctor about which tests are right for you. And remember, early detection is the key to successful treatment. We hope that this blog post has been informative and helpful. Thank you for reading!
