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| health > men > story page |         |
Medical tests every man needsDecember 30, 1999
By Glenn Michael Gordon (WebMD) -- Mike Keany (not his real name), a mechanic in Boston, is diligent about examining cars for his customers. Like many men, Keany was not as proactive about how his own system was running. When Keany noticed a lump on his wrist, he ignored it until his wife and kids urged him to see his physician. At first glance, his doctor was nearly certain the lump was benign. Keany wept with relief, still sitting on the examining table. A medical test confirmed the good news. According to Keany's physician, Martin Miner, M.D., a professor in the Department of Ambulatory Care and Prevention at Harvard Medical School and a physician in private practice, this is a typical story. "Men still perceive seeking healthcare as a link to their vulnerability, with which they're very uncomfortable," Miner says. It's hard enough, he points out, to convince guys to wear a helmet when in-line skating, or a safety belt when driving, let alone to get their blood pressure checked. This is unfortunate, says Miner, since men could benefit greatly from regular examinations. Conditions easily spotted by standard medical tests, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol which may lead to heart disease, can often be controlled with treatment. And for years, the American Cancer Society has been stressing that detecting cancer early is among the best ways to increase the chances of survival. The following are the most commonly recommended tests for men. Frequency recommendations are according to The Mayo Clinic and the American Medical Association's (AMA) New Family Medical Guide. The AMA has no official policy on testing frequency. Keep in mind that these are only guidelines and should never replace your doctor's advice. Eye exam: If your vision doesn't require correction and you are under age 50, an eye exam every three to five years will suffice. If you wear corrective lenses or are over 50, you should have eye exams every two years or so. Men with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of vision problems should be examined at least once a year. During eye exams, your doctor will check for glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye that leads to vision loss), macular degeneration (deterioration of the retina), and cataracts (clouding of the eye lens). Dental exam: At least once a year, your dentist should check the health of your teeth, gums, tongue, and mouth, and check for oral cancer. Smokers and tobacco chewers may need more frequent visits. Blood pressure measurement: An inflatable cuff wrapped around your arm can detect high blood pressure, hopefully long before linked complications, such as heart attack and stroke, ever occur. Before age 50, your blood pressure should be taken every two to five years. At age 50 and older, it should be tested annually. If you have a family history of high blood pressure, heart or kidney disease, or stroke, or you have diabetes or are overweight, you should be tested annually. Cholesterol test: A blood test that measures cholesterol, including LDL ("bad" cholesterol) and HDL ("good" cholesterol), can help to evaluate your risk for coronary heart disease. Beginning at age 20, you should be tested every five years -- assuming that your results are within desirable ranges (readings between 80/50 and 130/85 are considered normal, in general). If your cholesterol level is above these ranges or you have a family history of coronary heart disease, you should consult with your physician about testing more frequently. Colon exam: Doctors use a variety of tests to detect growth (polyps) or cancerous lesions inside the colon. They most commonly use a flexible sigmoidoscope or colon X-ray, and screening typically begins at age 50. If results are normal, further exams are generally recommended every three to five years. If you have a family history of polyps, colon cancer, or ulcerative colitis, you may need more frequent screenings. In some cases, a more invasive and pricier test called a colonoscopy may be required. Prostate exam:The common digital rectal exam (DRE) is a direct examination of your prostate gland to check for unusual growth or tumors. The prostate specific antigen (PSA) test measures the amount of a protein secreted in the blood. Higher-than-normal levels can also indicate cancer. While there is no official consensus, you should begin annual testing at age 40. If you are of African descent or have a family history of prostate cancer, it's a good idea to begin screenings earlier. Testicular exam: Doctors suggest monthly self-exams of your testicles for unusual changes or growths. However, these can't substitute for a doctor's examination. Testicular cancer, the most common malignancy among American men between the ages of 15 and 35, is usually curable, especially when detected early. Men between the ages of 15 and 35 should have a testicular exam at every physical examination, at least every two or three years. Doctors may not automatically perform this test, so you should request this exam or other tests listed here if they are not offered during a physical.
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Screening for prostate cancer RELATED SITES: American Medical Association: Men's health LATEST HEALTH STORIES:
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