June is Men’s Health Month—a perfect time for men to take charge of their well-being through preventive care and routine health screenings. Proactive health management can detect and address issues early, when they’re most treatable.
Essential cancer screenings for men
Colon cancer screening saves lives by detecting cancer early or finding polyps that can be removed before they become cancerous. Screening should start at age 45, or 10 years earlier than the age at which a first-degree relative was diagnosed. For instance, if your parent was diagnosed at 46, you should begin screening at 36.
Options include a traditional colonoscopy or a noninvasive at-home stool-based test. Talk to your provider about which method is right for you.
Men should begin prostate cancer screening at age 50—or at age 45 for those who are African American or have a family history of the disease. Screening typically involves a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Your healthcare provider will recommend how often you should be screened based on your individual risk factors and initial results.
Testicular cancer is most common between ages 15 and 45. Men in this age group should perform regular self-exams to check for lumps, swelling, or other changes. Any abnormalities should be promptly reported to a healthcare provider
Men are more likely than women to develop—and die from—melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Contributing factors include lower use of sun protection and delays in seeking medical care.
All men, especially those with fair skin or high sun exposure, should perform monthly self-exams to monitor for new or changing moles. Annual full-body skin exams by a dermatology professional are recommended.
Nurse Practitioner Tyler Zuk at Riverwood Healthcare Center’s McGregor clinic, comments: “These cancers often present early symptoms that can be treated successfully when caught in time—yet symptoms are frequently missed or ignored. Timely screening makes a difference.”
Other key screenings
Three basic health indicators—blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar—should be monitored regularly too.
Blood pressure: At least every two years—or more frequently if you have high blood pressure or risk factors for heart disease.
Cholesterol: Every five years for men at average risk; more often if you have a family history of heart disease, smoke, or are overweight.
Blood glucose: Diabetes screening, measuring the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood, typically begins at age 45 or earlier if you have a high body mass index or are considered obese. Follow your provider’s advice based on your risk profile.
Lifestyle changes
The good news is that simple lifestyle changes can greatly improve your overall health.
Eat well: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Reduce intake of red meat, processed foods, and added sugars to lower your risk for cancer and heart disease.
Stay active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week to support heart health and maintain a healthy weight.
Quit smoking: Stopping tobacco use significantly reduces your risk of lung cancer and other serious conditions.
Limit alcohol: Keep alcohol intake to no more than two drinks per day to decrease the risk of liver disease and certain cancers.
Annual checkups
Make time for annual wellness exams. They are vital for tracking your health and discussing any new concerns. They also offer an opportunity to update vaccinations and health screenings.
To schedule a wellness exam at Riverwood Healthcare Center’s primary care clinics in Aitkin, Garrison, or McGregor, call 218-927-2157.
Advising men to take steps to better health, Zuk comments, “Get your recommended health screenings and seek medical care as soon as symptoms arise. Working together, we can help you significantly reduce your risk of serious health conditions and maintain a healthier, more fulfilling life.”