According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women are far more likely than healthy men to see their doctor for annual exams and preventive services. June is national Men’s Health Month — to increase awareness of preventable health conditions and encourage early detection and treatment for men. It is important to spread the word not just among men, but also among women who can encourage the men in their lives to take care of themselves.
Just like women, all men should have an annual physical exam. These visits help to establish a relationship with a medical provider, as well as help identify specific health risks and challenges that may advance with age.
What happens at an annual exam?
At a man’s annual exam, his doctor can provide guidance and answer questions about a number of relevant health and wellness topics, such as nutrition, supplements and avoiding injury while trying to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. The doctor will also share age-related preventive health conditions, such as cholesterol and diabetes, as well as updates on screenings and immunizations.
Sexually active men of all ages should be routinely screened for sexually transmitted diseases. Some men may be “carriers” and unknowingly transmit STDs to their partners without showing any symptoms themselves. Of course, all men should seek immediate evaluation for specific STD symptoms, such as genital itching, rash, blisters, discharge or pain with urination or ejaculation.
As part of a preventive visit, the doctor asks about specific age-related risk factors.
For adolescents and young men, testicular cancer is a real and often unforeseen risk. It typically presents as a painless swelling or mass. In addition to conducting a physical exam, the doctor advises of proper self-examination and when to seek further evaluation. Early detection and intervention can prevent serious complications and even death. Regular physicals and self-examinations also can uncover benign, fully treatable testicular masses.
For men over 50, the doctor addresses routine health maintenance items, such as colorectal cancer screening, as well as risks and symptoms associated with the prostate. While prostate cancer is the most common cancer specific to men, benign prostate conditions can also significantly affect quality of life. As part of annual checkups, doctors can advise men of the need for further evaluation, as well as treatment options if and when necessary.
The “PSA test” for prostate cancer
A PSA is a common blood test to screen for prostate cancer and other prostate-related issues. When used in conjunction with a physical exam, it can help doctors identify early signs of prostate cancer. While this test is widely utilized, it has come under scrutiny.
Recently, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended against PSA testing for prostate cancer. Some factors that contributed to this update include the typically slow growth rate of prostate cancer. In addition, prostate biopsies (often performed with elevated PSA levels) have been known to put the patient at-risk for urinary incontinence or impotence. The American Urologic Association recommends men discuss the benefits and risks of the PSA test, along with specific risk factors (age, race/ethnicity, family history and any prostate-related symptoms) before pursuing it to avoid unnecessary procedures and risk of complications.
Make healthy lifestyle changes
Men’s Health Month is the perfect time for men to consider making lifestyle changes to improve their overall health: quit smoking; eat more proteins, whole grains and fresh vegetables; avoid processed or refined sugary foods; exercise at least 30 minutes a day, several days a week; and get enough sleep. Most importantly, schedule an annual checkup with a primary care provider.
Dr. Ravishankar Rao is a family medicine and sports medicine physician with Penn State Medical Group.
