Lake City, FL — June is Men’s Health Month, and healthcare professionals are working to raise awareness of the importance of routine medical exams and preventive screenings for men. Local doctors continue to be concerned that only about half of adult men get an annual physical and about a third do not feel the need for annual health screenings at all.
“Men’s Health Month is an important reminder for the fathers, husbands, sons, brothers and friends in our lives to make their health a priority,” said Dr. Yi Wang, general surgeon at HCA Florida Lake City Hospital. “Men are often less likely to seek preventive care or address symptoms early, which can allow conditions to progress before treatment begins. Routine checkups and recommended screenings can help detect serious issues such as hernias, colorectal cancer, gallbladder disease, acid reflux complications and other gastrointestinal conditions in earlier, more treatable stages.”
Men under age 40 should have a wellness physical every two to five years, and annually for those age 40 and older. In addition to routine primary care visits, surgeons encourage men to pay attention to symptoms such as persistent abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, reflux, or lumps and swelling that may indicate an underlying condition requiring medical evaluation.
Here are some of the more common screening recommendations men should make part of their routine care:
Blood pressure check: Annual blood pressure checks are crucial, as untreated high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke and other serious conditions.
Check cholesterol levels: Monitoring cholesterol levels annually is essential for assessing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Those with risk factors such as smoking, diabetes or family history should have their cholesterol levels checked more frequently.
Diabetes screening: The American Diabetes Association recommends annual screening for type 2 diabetes for adults age 45 and older, or sooner for those with risk factors.
Colorectal cancer screening: Regular colonoscopy screenings should begin at age 45, according to the American College of Gastroenterology, to detect colon cancer and precancerous polyps. Colonoscopies are generally recommended every 10 years, but those with a family history of colon cancer or certain digestive conditions may need screenings more frequently.
Hernia evaluation: Men are more likely to develop hernias, particularly in the groin area. Persistent pain, pressure or a visible bulge should be evaluated by a physician or surgeon, as untreated hernias can worsen over time and may require emergency treatment.
Prostate screening: Starting at age 45, your doctor may recommend a prostate-specific antigen blood test. Early detection of prostate cancer can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
Testicular cancer screening: Starting in their late 20s, men should perform regular self-exams, checking for unusual lumps, swelling or pain. Testicular cancer is most common in men between their late 20s and early 30s, with an average diagnosis age of 33 years.
Mental health checkup: Some men may be reluctant to seek treatment for symptoms of depression, stress or anxiety. If you are experiencing anger or irritability, mood swings, changes in sleeping habits or appetite, increased feelings of sadness or thoughts of harming yourself or others, it is important to discuss your mental health with your doctor right away.