The men I see in the emergency department rarely come in because of something new. They come in because of something old they ignored: blood pressure nobody checked, a screening they kept putting off, chest pressure they called heartburn for three days. So here is the men's health screening checklist I give my own friends, by age, in plain language.
Every man, every age
- Blood pressure. Get it checked. Most men with high blood pressure feel completely fine. Yearly from 40, or sooner if it has ever been high.
- Weight, waist and blood sugar. Ask for a diabetes check from 35 if you carry extra weight.
- Cholesterol. Ask your doctor when to check and whether a statin makes sense for you, especially from 40.
- Hepatitis C and HIV. A one-time test is recommended for most adults. It is a simple blood test.
- Mental health. Stress, drinking and low mood are health problems, not character flaws.
From 45: colon cancer screening
Colon cancer screening now starts at 45 for most men at average risk. There is more than one way to do it, from a stool test at home to a colonoscopy. The best test is the one you actually do.
From 50: lung, and the prostate conversation
If you smoked a lot, usually 20 pack-years or more, and you still smoke or quit within the last 15 years, ask about a yearly low-dose CT scan for lung cancer from 50. Between 55 and 69, talk with your doctor about whether a PSA test for prostate cancer is right for you. It is a personal decision with real pros and cons.
From 65: the aorta check
Men 65 to 75 who have ever smoked should get a one-time ultrasound to check for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. It takes minutes and it can save your life.
Do not tough these out
Chest pressure, sudden weakness on one side, slurred speech, the worst headache of your life, or trouble breathing are 911 calls. Not wait-and-see. Not drive yourself.
Build your own list in about a minute with my free men's checkup list. Then text one friend and ask when he last had his blood pressure checked. If a friend is not okay, call or text 988 together.
I speak on this to hospital boards, associations and conference stages. Book me to speak, or read more at https://www.HarveyCastroMD.com.
