Men are known for not asking for help. But when it comes to male health checks – both men and boys – asking for help is essential. Missing an early diagnosis when it comes to cancer or cardiovascular disease could have disastrous results.
A lot of males, especially those over 50 years old, still need to be encouraged by their partners to visit the doctor. This is according to UK-based and former Cape Town GP Dr Jane Benjamin. Younger men are becoming more aware of their health, she says, and are booking routine male health checks and screenings.
However, the Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) encourages every man to pay attention to changes in his body and go for regular male health checks. Early detection can save you time and money (by avoiding longer and more expensive treatment). More importantly, it can save your life, making the annual check-up a must, especially as you get older.
Dr Benjamin says screenings will depend on a man’s age and risk factors, plus “the frequency of screening depends on your individual and family history”. Risk factors, such as a family history of stroke, diabetes, heart disease or cancer, as well as lifestyle, such as increased alcohol intake or not getting enough exercise, may mean male health checks need to happen more regularly. Screenings will also focus on two main areas: cardiovascular disease and cancer.
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matters of the heart
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of preventable death, says Dr Benjamin. She adds: “80% of stroke and heart disease can be prevented with simple lifestyle measures.” Knowing if you’re at risk is essential, so you can look out for any problems before they become a real problem.
Screenings for cardiovascular conditions will include checks for high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose (diabetes). These are generally done every year once men reach the age of 40 years old. Annual checkups also give your doctor the chance to discuss your lifestyle factors, says Benjamin, and look at how you can reduce your risk.
High blood pressure or hypertension can be dangerous to your heart and other organs. Checking it regularly is essential. You can do this at your annual checkup or at pharmacies or clinics that offer this service.
Check your body-mass index (BMI) at the same time to indicate if you are overweight. A normal weight to height ratio for men would usually register as a BMI between 18.5 and 25. A BMI higher than 30 could indicate obesity. Being overweight can jeopardise your heart health and lead to complications like type 2 diabetes.
If your doctor is worried that you’re overweight, your blood pressure is too high or if you have other risk factors, you may need to have your blood glucose tested, regardless of your age. If you’re over 40, you should have your blood glucose checked annually, advises Dr Benjamin.
High cholesterol is another risk factor for cardiovascular disease, adds Dr Benjamin. From 40, men should have their cholesterol checked annually. However, more regular checks may be needed if you have risk factors such as diabetes, kidney problems or are at risk of heart disease. Blood tests will check your cholesterol levels and your blood triglycerides.
cancer scare
Catching cancer early is vital. Screening for cancer aims to detect cancer before symptoms appear. Screenings could include blood tests, urine tests and medical imaging.
Testicular cancer
Testicular cancer more commonly affects younger men, particularly between the ages of 15 and 39, although it can affect anyone. By doing regular examinations, men get to know their bodies and can recognise any changes, says Professor Michael Herbst, a health specialist at Cansa.
Cansa recommends that younger men do regular testicular self-examinations. Feel for any lumps (which can be as small as a grain of rice and often feel firm, like hard rubber), changes in size or other irregularities. Men and boys can ask their doctor to show them how to do these checks. Boys only need to start checking for testicular cancer once they’re about 15 years old. The risk increases for men as they get older. From 40 onwards, getting an annual checkup is an all-important step.
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Prostate cancer
“Prostate cancer is one of the leading cancers in South Africa, with 1 in 27 men having a lifetime risk of diagnosis,” reports Cansa. Men over 50 years old should have a routine Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) at least once every two years, says Professor Herbst. For those with a higher risk, annual screening should start between the ages of 40 and 45. The test results will indicate how frequently future tests should be taken. The digital rectal exam, where the doctor examines the prostate through the rectum, should form part of the medical exam for men with a raised PSA reading.
Risks for prostate cancer include a family history of the disease, drinking alcohol, not getting enough exercise, and having a poor diet with a high fat and red meat intake.
Colon cancer
From the age of 50, Benjamin suggests that men should have screening colonoscopies for colon cancer every 10 years. Having a family history or other risk factors, would mean earlier and more frequent screenings.
Find a comprehensive list of male health checks here.
healthy lifestyle
Following a healthy lifestyle is an important part of disease prevention.
• Get enough exercise
• Lose weight, or maintain a healthy weight
• Follow a nutritious diet and drink plenty of clean water
• Cut down on red meat consumption
• Avoid processed foods
• Don’t smoke or use tobacco products
• Limit your alcohol intake
• Go for regular screenings and do self-examinations.
