Six essential screening tests all men should receive during the life -
When it comes to men and health, the figures do not add up to the top. Compared to women, men are 24 percent less likely than women to visit the doctor, according to the Ministry of Health and the US Services. Yet men are 28 percent more likely than women to be hospitalized for congestive heart failure and 32 percent more likely to receive care for complications of diabetes.
June is National Men's Health Month. It is the time for men to make health a priority by providing regular checkups and receive health screening tests.
"Unfortunately, prostate, colon and skin cancer is common in men, as well as heart disease and diabetes, but the good news is that they are very suitable for selection "says pathologist and a specialist in men's health, Thomas Wheeler, MD, FCAP, professor and chair of the Department of pathology and immunology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. "Knowing the facts about these diseases and screening guidelines can help men to prevent or detect these diseases early, when they are most treatable complications set in before."
Dr. Wheeler weighs about screening for prostate cancer among the six key tests all men should receive during their lives.
1.Prostate Cancer screening test
The Antigen (PSA) prostate specific has been developed to help detect prostate cancer in men; However, some in the medical community have questioned whether routine screening leads to more harm than good. This controversy among experts, whether or not to treat prostate cancer, confused the public and caused some men to abandon screening. The men, from age 50, should talk with their doctor about the pros and cons of screening. For those in high risk categories, this conversation should begin at age 45.
"As a pathologist, I recommend that men get a rectal exam as part of their physical examination whether or not they chose to be screened with a serum PSA. "
2.Blood pressure test
It is a simple and painless test that could save the life of a man. It is known as the "silent killer" because there are usually no symptoms of high blood pressure. Often, simple diet changes and regular exercise can lower blood pressure levels, but if not, medications to control blood pressure are well tolerated and relatively inexpensive.
3.Cholesterol test
A cholesterol test is a simple screening test and is recommended for men at least every five years, or annually if abnormal.
4.Colon Cancer Screening
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of death among Americans. At age 50, men should be screened for precancerous polyps and colon cancer with tests that can include fecal occult blood test, digital rectal examination, flexible sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy.
Cancer 5.Skin Check
According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common type of skin cancer in the United States. Limit sun exposure and receiving regular checkups can help men avoid this common cancer and the most rare cancer but potentially deadly melanoma skin.
6.Diabetes test
Men 45 and older should be tested 2 diabetes every three years for the type. Current screening tests are blood fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1c. Diabetes can be detected early in the course of the disease before complications of more advanced disease installed.
"Regular checks and cancer screening are simple steps people can take to live healthier lives," said Dr Wheeler. "
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