Diabetes
According to Diabetes UK, it is estimated that over four million people in the UK have diabetes—whether they’re diagnosed or not. When detected early diabetes can be kept under control, and many of its complications can be avoided through changing simple things like dietary habits, weight, and exercise routine. One of the important male health checks for this is a simple fasting blood sugar test can be used to screen for the condition. Adults should consider having the test done every three years once they turn 45—unless they have conditions such as high cholesterol or blood pressure, in which case it is advisable to start much earlier.
Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer found in men—according to Cancer Research UK; one in eight men will be diagnosed with this type of cancer during their lifetime. Even though it can be a slow-growing illness, it may also manifest itself aggressively in some cases. Regular screening should begin at 50 for average-risk men, at 45 for men at high risk and at 40 for men with a strong family history of the disease. Important male health checks for this can include a digital rectal exam, or a prostate specific antigen blood test.
Testicular cancer, on the other hand, is less common and occurs mostly between the ages of 20 and 54. Important male health checks for this particular strain revolve around regular self-exams by feeling for lumps, bumps or changes in size and shape of the testes.
Because the effects of the sun accumulate over time, over-65s are more at risk of developing skin cancer—important male health checks include checking your skin for changes in colour, size or shape of any mole, and to visit your GP if you notice something amiss. Early detection can lead to prompt treatment and better outcomes.
Testosterone deficiency
As men age, their testosterone level decreases, leading to symptoms such as lack of sexual desire, problems with erections, depression, weight gain and tiredness. The hormone is vital for maintaining sexual and general wellbeing in men. A simple blood test is an easy way to measure your testosterone levels. According to Dr Janine David, a GP with a special interest in men’s health, there are a few treatments available: ‘Initially patients are advised to improve lifestyle and diet in an attempt to increase testosterone levels, however this intervention alone is often not enough—the use of replacement therapy is recommended. It has been used effectively for over half a century. It comes in the form of a gel or an injection, requires monitoring and—in those that respond positively—is considered a lifelong treatment.’ Some benefits include a restored sense of wellbeing and sex drive, improved muscle mass and less fat around the abdomen. According to the British Society for Sexual Medicine, over eight percent of men between the ages of 50 to 79 years old are hypogonadal—showing a reduced functional activity of the testes.
See also: Male Health Awareness
High blood pressure
The risk of hypertension increases as we age and can lead to a host of other health complications and risks. High blood pressure can be treated and monitored, dramatically reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. It’s vital to check your blood pressure regularly, and to speak to your doctor about ways to lower it and keep it within the right parameters. It’s important to remember that normal blood pressure measures less than 120/80 mmHg—typically, a reading of 140/90 mmHg is considered high.
Depression
Changes in your emotional state are just as important as visible and tangible changes in your body. It is strongly recommended to visit your GP if you find you are not enjoying life as much as you used to—there are important male health checks designed for depression. In 2013, out of over 6,000 suicides recorded in the UK, 78 percent were male—according to the Mental Health Foundation. It is therefore vital to keep mental health under control; your doctor can also refer you to specialist services if needed.
Glaucoma
This condition, characterised by increased pressure in the eye, is substantially more common in men than women; if left untreated, it can result in blindness. It is important to have regular eye tests—especially if the condition is present in other members of your family—as glaucoma progresses very slowly, resulting in gradual sight loss. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, medication and surgery can halt further loss of vision, but once the condition has affected the eye it is impossible to reverse the damage. In addition to glaucoma, simple eye tests can also alert you to other possible conditions such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.
See also: Men’s MOT
Cholesterol
Heart UK advises men to check their cholesterol every five years or so if they are between the ages of 40 and 75. High cholesterol is the biggest risk factor attributed to heart disease, as it toughens and narrows the arteries—reducing the risk of developing it is possible through switching to a Mediterranean diet, and consuming more fruit, vegetables, fish and nuts. Your GP can conduct targeted male health checks check your cholesterol levels by ordering a blood test and determining the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol and other types of harmful fats in your blood.
This article on important male health checks was written with help from Besins Healthcare (UK), the company was consulted on the scientific accuracy of the article and conducted a review for compliance purposes.
