Men have their own health issues, especially men 50 and older. There are several tests to discuss with your doctor, if you fall into this category, that can save your life.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm – One-time screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm by ultra-sonography in men ages 40 and older who have-ever smoked.
Blood pressure testing – Testing at least every two years if you have had normal blood pressure (120/80 or below); at least once per year if it is elevated or if you are at increased risk for heart disease or stroke (such
as from smoking or diabetes). If it is elevated, of course, it is no longer considered a screening.
Cholesterol screening test – Get this checked at least every five years; if you have risk factors for heart disease, discuss with your doctor whether you should be tested more frequently.
Diabetes screening – If you are age 40 to 70, and overweight or obese, you should be screened. If you have risk factors for type 2 diabetes or heart disease, or if your blood pressure is higher than 135/80, or if you use medication to control your blood pressure, talk to your doctor about whether you should be tested for diabetes, and how often.
Colorectal screening – Men ages 50 to 75 should be tested by one of these three methods: (1) stool test annually;
(2) flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years; (3) colonoscopy every 10 years. After age 75, discuss the need for continued screening with your doctor.
Hepatitis B virus testing – Men at increased risk for this infection should be tested regularly (discuss how often with your doctor). Risk is increased if you have had unprotected sex with multiple partners, have shared needles during intravenous drug use, have sex with other men, are exposed regularly to human blood (such as medical workers), live with someone who has chronic hepatitis B virus infection, or travel to regions with high rates of hepatitis B virus infection.
Hepatitis C virus testing – Men who were born between 1945 and 1965 should have a one-time test for hepatitis C. Risk is increased if you have had blood (or blood product) transfusions or received a transplanted organ before June 1992, are a health care worker who may have been stuck by a needle, or have ever used injected drugs, even just once many years ago.
Lung cancer – Annual screening for lung cancer with a low-dose CT scan in adults ages 55 to 80 years who
have a 30 pack-year smoking history (smoked one pack/day for 30 years, two packs/day for 15 years, etc.) and who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.