I’m a doctor – these are the six essential health checks EVERY man must have to avoid dying young
A leading GP has shared the ‘health MOT’ he believes every man should carry out to maximize life expectancy.
Dr. Donald Grant, who is also a senior clinical advisor to The independent pharmacyis urging men to undergo a series of tests to detect a range of deadly diseases early.
Detecting conditions at their earliest stages gives the best possible chance of treatment – or taking steps to avoid getting sick altogether, he adds.
Dr. Grant said: ‘When it comes to men’s health, there are several routine checks you can do at home or with a certified GP to catch things as early as possible.
‘There are a number of health problems that become more common with age, including prostate cancer, while younger men are at greater risk of testicular cancer.’
With Men’s Health Awareness Month – better known as Movember – kicking off this week, other tests for heart and eye health should also be seen as part of normal self-care.
Self-test for testicular cancer
‘Testicular cancer can affect any man of any age, but is most common in white men aged 18 to 45,’ says Dr Grant, who lives in Bristol.
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‘I cannot emphasize enough the importance of a monthly self-evaluation.’
The NHS advises men and boys to check their testicles from puberty onwards – usually from around age 12.
Ideally, this should be done during or immediately after a warm bath or shower to relax the scrotum.
Dr. Grant said: ‘To check for lumps, first check for signs of swelling in the scrotum before assessing each testicle by gently rolling it between your finger and thumb and feeling for any lumps.
‘If a person feels a lump or notices changes in the size of the testicle, it is important to seek urgent medical attention.
‘Blood tests can be done to properly diagnose testicular cancer.’
Know your cholesterol levels
“Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is crucial for reducing the risk of developing heart disease or stroke,” says Dr. Grant.
Men can do a finger prick cholesterol test at home or a GP can do a blood test and send the sample for further analysis
There are two types of cholesterol that doctors are most concerned about: high- and low-density lipoprotein (HDL and LDL).
HDL has been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease, while LDL can have the opposite effect, clogging arteries and reducing blood flow.
‘Men can perform finger prick tests at home, allowing them to accurately measure their cholesterol,’ adds Dr Grant.
‘In addition, a GP can do a blood test and send the sample for further analysis.’
Take a blood pressure test
Dr. Grant continues: ‘Diagnosing high blood pressure early is important to prevent life-threatening conditions such as heart disease and stroke.
‘High blood pressure is often asymptomatic, highlighting the importance of regular monitoring, which can help men prevent further deterioration in health.
‘To monitor blood pressure, a monitor can be used at home or at the doctor’s office, which measures quickly and accurately.
There was widespread shock last month when Olympic cycling hero Sir Chris Hoy, 48, revealed he had been diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer.
‘The test involves wearing a cuff and recording the systolic pressure once it is inflated and deflated.
‘For the most accurate results, check at the same time every day and always take the test multiple times to validate the results.’
Don’t be shy about prostate health
‘The risk of developing prostate cancer increases as men get older, with most people diagnosed at age 50 or older,’ says Dr Grant.
‘Despite this, it can still happen at any time, meaning regular checks are essential for men’s wellbeing.
‘Unfortunately, testing for prostate cancer at home is quite difficult and it is ultimately easier to book a consultation with a doctor for a more accurate result.’
Currently, men over 50 can request a PSA blood test, which can identify problems with the prostate regardless of symptoms.
PSA, which is short for prostate-specific antigen, is a protein released by the prostate – a gland located below the bladder and involved in sperm production.
Dr. Grant says: ‘Vision testing is not limited to visits to the optician and can be easily measured at home using an eye chart or vision test, available online’
An elevated PSA level can mean something is wrong with the prostate, and while in most cases it doesn’t mean cancer, it can.
Men under the age of 50 can also be tested if they have complaints that indicate prostate problems, such as changes in the frequency of urination.
There are increasing calls for all men from the age of 40 to have a PSA test to screen for prostate cancer.
There was widespread shock last month when Olympic cycling hero Sir Chris Hoy, 48, revealed he had been diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer.
Don’t forget your eye health
Dr. Grant says: ‘Sight testing is not limited to visits to the optician and can be easily measured at home using an eye chart or vision test – available online.
‘The eye charts are effective at identifying vision loss, while online tests are an excellent way to quickly check for astigmatism and light sensitivity.
‘For further analysis, men can book an appointment with an optician, but eye health can be easily monitored at home, allowing people to notice changes in their vision before it worsens dramatically.
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‘Overall, the fact that Men’s Health Awareness Month takes place in November is a reminder of how important it is to carry out these health screenings regularly.
‘Men can quickly identify dangerous conditions and spot them early, giving them the best chance of full recovery.’
Be aware of changes in the intestines
Dawson’s Creek heartbreak James Van Der Beek’s revelations last week that he has colorectal cancer at the age of 47 have fueled growing concern about cases in young people.
The disease has increased by 50 percent among those over 50 over the past three decades – and the disease is more common in men.
It is crucial that everyone is aware of the main symptoms, including changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea and constipation.
A change in the frequency of bowel movements or the feeling that you have to go, even though you have just gone.
Blood in the stool or toilet or bleeding from the rectum are also telltale signs.
Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, feeling bloated or full even when little has been eaten, and changes in appetite are also observed.
Anyone suffering from these symptoms should see their GP and may be referred to a colorectal clinic for further assessment.
