Healthy Families | What Men Should Know About Preventive Health Screenings
What health screenings should men prioritize, and when should they start getting checked for prostate and colorectal cancer?
Many men put off routine medical appointments because they feel healthy or are busy taking care of work and family responsibilities. But some serious health conditions can develop without noticeable symptoms, making preventive health screenings an important part of long-term health.
Chetan Lamba, FNP-C, a nurse practitioner at Omni Family Health, discusses why men should make preventive care a priority and how regular screenings can help identify potential health concerns before they become more serious.
Which Health Screenings Are Important for Men?
Knowing your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels can help you and your provider understand important aspects of your health.
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes may not cause obvious symptoms in their early stages. Regular preventive visits provide an opportunity to monitor these measurements and discuss your individual risk factors.
Cancer screening is another important consideration as men get older.
When Should Men Discuss Prostate and Colorectal Cancer Screening?
Prostate cancer screening recommendations depend on individual risk.
The American Cancer Society recommends that men at average risk begin discussing prostate cancer screening with their provider at age 50. Men at higher risk, including those with certain family histories, may need to begin that conversation earlier.
For adults at average risk, colorectal cancer screening generally begins at age 45.
Screening options include colonoscopy and stool-based tests such as Cologuard, which can be completed at home.
Cologuard offers a convenient, noninvasive screening option for eligible patients, while colonoscopy allows physicians to examine the colon directly and remove certain polyps that could develop into cancer.
Your provider can help determine which screening method and schedule are appropriate for you.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until You Feel Sick
One of the most important reasons to prioritize preventive care is that many health conditions do not cause noticeable symptoms until they have progressed.
Regular checkups provide an opportunity to review your health history, identify potential risks, and determine which screenings are due.
Taking care of your health does not have to wait until something feels wrong.
You can also find an Omni Family Health provider or locate a health center near you to schedule a preventive visit.
Call or text 866-707-OMNI (6664) to get started.