> Navigate

Screening tests in men

Most men would rather set their shorts on fire or attend five children's parties in a row than go for a colon cancer screening or a prostate check-up.

If minimum hassle is your main objective, going for regular disease-screening tests will probably reduce rather than increase your number of visits to the doctor. Simply ignoring a problem won't make it go away, but it could result in constant medical attention once the situation has reached crisis proportions.

Deaths from disease can be prevented by common sense and lifestyle changes, such as safer sex (HIV/Aids), non-smoking (lung cancer and COPD), adequate treatment and management of asthma (COPD), less drinking and greater vigilance (homicide and road accidents).

There is little doubt that the impact of many diseases affecting men, such as heart disease and cancer, can be lessened by screening tests. In many cases deaths can be prevented by early detection and treatment, and in others screening tests may lead to treatment and a better quality of life.

The screening tests a man needs

So, which screening tests does a man need to avoid the most important preventable diseases? Have a look at the following checklist:

HIV test (Blood sample)
When? Every six months if you're practicing unsafe sex.
Why? If you follow a healthy lifestyle, you may live symptom-free for many years. Antiretroviral drugs may add both years and quality to your life.

Blood pressure (No needles)
When? Every 2 years when you're in your twenties and thirties, and once a year if you're in your forties, fifties and sixties.
Why? Close to 90% of people over 55 will develop high blood pressure. Your blood pressure should not exceed 120/80 mm Hg. People with blood pressure of 135/85 mm Hg have twice the risk of heart disease and an increased risk for stroke.

Cholesterol (Blood sample)
When? Every 2 years when you're in your twenties or thirties when there's a family history of heart disease. Over the age of forty: every time you go for a check-up.
Why? High cholesterol increases your risk for heart disease and stroke. Doctors recommend that all blood lipid levels should be checked, not only cholesterol levels.

Type 2 diabetes (Blood sample)
When? Everybody, no matter their age, should be tested every three years if they are at risk. People who are most at risk include those with a family history of diabetes, people who are overweight and people with high cholesterol levels or high blood pressure.
Why? If you have Type 2 diabetes you have a higher risk of contracting heart disease and eye problems.

Prostate (Blood sample for the PSA count, and/or a digital rectal examination)
When? If you are in your forties, once a once a year when there's a family history of prostate cancer or breast cancer, or if you are black. Once a year if you are 50 or older. One in eight men in this group will develop prostate cancer. Typical signs include difficulty to pass urine, enlarged lymph glands and blood in the urine.
Why? More SA men are affected by prostate cancer than any other cancer. Early detection increases your chances of survival.

Testicular self-exam (Speaks for it self)
When? Monthly, especially if you have undescended testes, previous history of a testicular tumour, a brother or father with testicular tumours, or if you are infertile.

After a hot shower, roll (don't knead) each testicle gently between your thumb and forefinger, checking for any lumps, which are usually found on the sides (sometimes the front) of the testicle. If you feel anything unusual, see a doctor.

Colon check (Preferably a colonoscopy, i.e. an internal investigation of the colon with a flexible instrument after sedation)
When? Every 5 years if you are in your twenties or thirties when there's a family history. Every 3 - 5 years if you are in your forties when there's a family history, otherwise every 5 years. If you are 50 or older: annually. Take note of sudden changes in bowel habits (e.g. blood in stools), colic, bloating or fullness.
Why? Colorectal cancer rates as the number five cancer affecting South African men. If detected early, colon cancer is very treatable. Hereditary colorectal cancer is prevalent in some South African families: one in four cases are indeed genetic, and may be detected early with DNA testing.

Skin check (Checking the appearance of a lesion. The doctor can also take a small sample of the lesion.)
When? Every year from the age of forty. Golfers, cricketers, farmers, fishermen and others who spend a lot of time in the sun are at high risk.
Why? Skin cancer can be treated very successfully with early detection.

Eye test
When? In your twenties or thirties: every 5 years. Once every 2 years if you are in your forties, and annually from fifty onwards. Watch out for blurry vision, obstructed vision, or pain in the eye.
Why? Regular eye tests detect weak eyesight, glaucoma and cataracts and may even save you from blindness. Who would say no to improved vision?

Below is a decade-by-decade guide of the screening tests you need to have done:

20's

In your twenties you are usually still healthy, but you need to be on the lookout for any medical conditions that might be prevalent in your family:

Tests
Frequency

HIV
If you're sexually active or have practiced unsafe sex, every six months.

Blood pressure
Every two years

Colon check
Every five years, if there is a family history

Testicular self-examination
Monthly

Cholesterol
Every two years if there is a family history

Eye test
Every five years

Lung tests
Annually, if you are asthmatic or a heavy smoker.

30's

In your thirties you are usually still healthy, but need to be on the lookout for any medical conditions that might be prevalent in your family:

40's

Regular screening tests can sort out many problems before they become unmanageable:

Test
Frequency

Testicular self-examination
Monthly

Blood pressure
Once a year

Colorectal exam
Once every five years, unless there is a family history of the disease, in which case you need to have this done once a year.

Prostate
Once a year

Eye check
Once every two years

Skin check
Every year

ECG
Every two years

Cholesterol
Every time you go for a check-up

Lung tests
If you smoke, you need to have your lungs X-rayed annually.

50's

Have these screening tests during your fifties and you could prevent many problems later in life:

60's

To ensure ongoing health, the following screening tests are recommended:

Test
Frequency

Blood pressure
Every two years

Cholesterol
Every five years, unless you have had a problem in the past, in which case it should be done every year.

Colorectal exam
Every five years, unless you are in a high risk category, in which case an annual exam is recommended.

Prostate
A digital rectal exam should be done annually.

Testicular examination
A monthly self-examination and an examination with every regular check-up

Eye examination
Every one to two years

Type 2 diabetes
Every two years