Essential Health Screenings for Men Ages 40 to 64

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As we age, we become more susceptible to developing certain health conditions and diseases; fortunately, health screenings can help detect many of them in the early stages. In the case of many cancers, early detection and treatment often result in a better prognosis. If detected early enough, some health conditions can be reversed with healthy lifestyle changes. Health screenings can also help you assess your risk Even if you feel healthy, keeping up with health screenings after the age of 40 is very important for maintaining good health.

Here are some of the most essential screenings men ages 40 to 64 should consider scheduling.

Blood Pressure

Since high blood pressure often doesn’t have symptoms, many people don’t realize they have it—which is why regular screenings are important. High blood pressure, which is connected to age, weight, and lifestyle, can lead to serious health problems over time, including heart disease and stroke. You should have your blood pressure checked at least once every 2 years, or at least once a year if you have other risk factors like diabetes, heart disease, or kidney issues. You should also have your blood pressure checked every year if the systolic (top number) is within the 120 to 139 mm Hg range or the diastolic (bottom number) is 80 to 89 mm Hg. If either the systolic or diastolic number is higher than these ranges, talk to your doctor about what you can do to lower your blood pressure.

Cholesterol

High cholesterol, like high blood pressure, often doesn’t present any symptoms. Men with no known risk factors for coronary heart disease should start getting their cholesterol checked at age 35. After that, you should have your cholesterol checked every 5 years. If there are changes in your lifestyle, such as dietary changes or weight gain, you may need to have your cholesterol checked sooner. If you:

  • Use tobacco
  • Are overweight or obese
  • Have a relative who had a heart attack before the age of 50, or
  • Have other risk factors like heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes

You should start cholesterol screenings at the age of 20 and may need to have your cholesterol checked more often.

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer usually develops from precancerous polyps; if detected early enough, the polyps can be removed before they turn into cancer. This type of cancer is more common among older adults, but regular screenings should start at age 45. If you’re under 45, have a strong family history of colon cancer or polyps, or risk factors like inflammatory bowel disease, talk to your health care provider about getting screened. There are several tests available to screen for colorectal cancer and each has a different screening interval. Colonoscopies should be performed every 10 years but may need to be more frequent if you have other risk factors.

Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a serious and common disease that often has little to no symptoms in the early stages; it’s thought that nearly 1/3 of those with type 2 diabetes don’t know they have it. Those with undiagnosed diabetes are at a higher risk for stroke, coronary heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity. If you’re over the age of 44, you should be screened for diabetes every 3 years. If you’re overweight (a BMI over 25), screenings should start at age 35; if you’re Asian American, you should be screened if your BMI is greater than 23. If your blood pressure is above 130/80 mm Hg or you have other risk factors, your health care provider may recommend testing for diabetes more frequently.

Lung Cancer

You should be screened for lung cancer if you have a 20-pack-a-year smoking history and you currently smoke or have quit smoking within the past 15 years.

Osteoporosis

Talk to your health care provider about osteoporosis screening if you’re between the age of 50 to 70 and have any of the following risk factors:

  • Long-term steroid use
  • Low body weight
  • Smoking
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • A family history of osteoporosis
  • A fracture after the age of 50

Prostate Cancer

Prostate exams are no longer done routinely unless you’re experiencing symptoms. If you’re between the ages of 55 and 69 years old, discuss your risk factors and whether screening is necessary with your health care provider. Screening generally isn’t recommended for those under the age of 55, unless you have the following risk factors:

  • A family history of prostate cancer (especially if the family member was your father or brother)
  • Being of African American descent

Testicular Cancer

Patients used to be told to do a testicular self-exam, but the US Preventive Services Task Force now recommends against it as they’ve been shown to have little benefit. Talk to your health care provider for recommendations, especially if you have a history of testicular cancer in your family.

Additional Screenings

Other screenings you should consider include:

  • Physical exams
    • Have bloodwork performed at least once every year
    • Height, weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI)
    • During your exam, your health care provider may ask you about depression, diet, exercise, alcohol, and tobacco use
  • Eye exams
    • Ages 40 to 54: every 2 to 4 years
    • Ages 55 to 64: every 1 to 3 years
    • If you have diabetes: at least once every year
    • If you have vision problems or a risk of developing glaucoma, your health care provider may recommend more frequent exams
  • Dental exams
    • 1 to 2 times a year; depending on your oral health, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits
  • Immunizations
    • Flu shot: every year
    • Tetanus-diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap): booster every 10 years
    • Shingles or herpes zoster: after age 50
    • If you’re at a higher risk for certain conditions, your provider may recommend additional vaccinations
  • Infectious disease
    • Hepatitis C
    • Depending on your lifestyle, you may also need to be screened for syphilis, chlamydia, HIV, or other types of infections
  • Skin cancer

You should be screened for sun cancer if:

  • You’ve had skin cancer before
  • You have family members who have had skin cancer
  • You have a weakened immune system

Schedule Your Health Screenings at Dr. Hubert’s Office

It can be easy to push your health to the back burner, especially if you haven’t noticed any symptoms. However, it’s never too late to start screening for health conditions or to make healthy lifestyle changes. Whether you’re looking for assistance with weight loss or a health condition, Dr. Jennifer Hubert will personally evaluate your concerns and develop a customized plan to help you reach your goals. As an internist, Dr. Hubert focuses on treating the whole person—not just the disease. For more information on medical weight loss, health screenings, or other health concerns, schedule a consultation at Dr. Hubert’s office by calling (707) 575-THIN (8446).