When it comes to men’s health, many focus on staying active, eating well, and managing stress.
While these lifestyle choices are vital, one often overlooked aspect is preventative healthcare.
Regular health screenings play a crucial role in detecting potential health issues before they become serious. Early detection can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes, so it’s important for men to prioritize regular check-ups.
Here are five key health screenings every man should consider, based on age and risk factors.
Blood Pressure Screening
High blood pressure (hypertension) is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it doesn’t show noticeable symptoms until it’s too late.
If left unchecked, it can lead to heart disease, kidney failure, and stroke. In Australia, the Heart Foundation recommends that men have their blood pressure checked every 2 years, starting from the age of 18.
However, if you are at higher risk—due to factors like obesity, a family history of hypertension, or smoking—more frequent checks may be necessary.
Regular blood pressure checks are simple and can be performed by your GP or many pharmacies.
If your blood pressure is consistently high, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as reducing salt intake, increasing physical activity, or in some cases, medication.
Cholesterol Screening
Cholesterol plays a critical role in your heart health. In Australia, around 1 in 3 men over 35 have high cholesterol, a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
The Australian Heart Foundation recommends that men over 45 get their cholesterol checked every 5 years.
Men with a family history of heart disease or risk factors such as diabetes or smoking may need to start screening earlier.
A simple blood test will check your cholesterol levels, including LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and total cholesterol.
If your cholesterol is high, your doctor may recommend dietary changes, exercise, and possibly cholesterol-lowering medications.
Prostate Cancer Screening
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australian men, particularly those aged 50 and older.
While it often develops slowly, early detection can significantly improve survival rates.
In Australia, men are encouraged to discuss prostate cancer screening with their GP, particularly if they are over 50 or have a family history of prostate cancer.
The two main tests for prostate cancer are the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and the digital rectal exam (DRE). However, not all men need to be routinely screened for prostate cancer, as some men may not benefit from early screening.
Having an open discussion with your doctor about your individual risk factors and family history will help you make an informed decision on when to start screening.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal cancer is a major health concern in Australia, with the Australian Cancer Council estimating it to be the second most common cancer for men.
Early detection through regular screening can dramatically reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer, and the Australian government provides free screening programs for eligible men aged 50 to 74.
The Australian Government’s National Bowel Cancer Screening Program invites men to complete a simple faecal occult blood test (FOBT), which can detect early signs of cancer or precancerous polyps in the bowel.
If you have a family history of colorectal cancer, a higher-than-average risk, or other risk factors, you may need to begin screening earlier.
Diabetes Screening
Type 2 diabetes is a growing concern, especially given the nation’s increasing rates of obesity and sedentary lifestyles.
The Australian Diabetes Society recommends that men aged 40 and over should be screened for type 2 diabetes, particularly if they have a family history, high blood pressure, or are overweight. For men at higher risk, screening may start earlier.
A fasting blood glucose test or an HbA1c test can measure your blood sugar levels and diagnose diabetes or prediabetes.
If detected early, lifestyle changes, such as improved diet and regular exercise, can help prevent or manage the condition effectively.
Prevention and Protection
While performing self-examinations is essential for early detection, prevention is equally important. Here are a few ways to protect your skin:
Use sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
Wear protective clothing: Long sleeves, hats, and sunglasses can help protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Seek shade: Try to stay in the shade, particularly when the sun is at its strongest.
Prevention Is The Key
Preventative health screenings are essential for every man looking to maintain long-term health.
By staying on top of screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and diabetes, men can catch potential health issues early and reduce the risk of serious complications later in life.
Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider, along with a healthy lifestyle, are the best ways to ensure that you’re taking proactive steps toward a healthy future.
Don’t wait until something goes wrong—schedule your screenings today at our Armadale or Caulfield South clinics !
Remember,—taking care of it today can ensure a healthier tomorrow!
