It’s a common practise for men to avoid men’s health routine check-ups with your doctor; some may not even have a regular doctor and others haven’t been to see a doctor in years.
If you’re one of these men, you are most likely doing more harm than good.
Even those who are low risk because of age (being under 50) and have a healthy lifestyle, (eat healthy foods, do not smoke, drink only in moderation, exercise regularly and manage stress) require annual check-ups and even though they might not really be necessary, it can be the difference between life and death if there is issues you might not yet know about.
The Benefits of Regular Check-ups
Regular check-ups provide doctors with a way to spot health issues early on.
Check-ups usually involve several tests, including preventative screenings and examinations, to check your health and risks.
Cancer: What You Need to Know
One of the highest causes of deaths in men is cancer.
Men are actually at a higher risk of cancer than women, and especially from the age of 25 and up.
Regular screening can be organised by your GP if you are worried something isn’t normal.
For those over 50, the prostate cancer examination is the most important thing you can do.
If you are younger than 50 and at high risk for prostate cancer (it’s previously been in your family) your doctor can also organise for the examination and blood tests to be done.
Of 130,466 new cancer cases diagnosed so far in 2016, 72,048 cases were men, compared to 58,418 in women.
Of the most common cancers diagnosed in 2016, the top three cancers were Prostate Cancer, Bowel Cancer and Breast Cancer (while breast cancer in men is uncommon, it’s not unheard of and accounts for around 1% of all breast cancer occurrences in Australia).
Other Important Tests for Men’s Health
Another important test that should be done regularly for anyone over 18 is cholesterol testing.
Abnormal or high total cholesterol is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease and stroke.
One in three Australians aged 18 years and over have abnormal or high total cholesterol levels according to statistics, so it’s quite important that you have regular tests, especially if you have a history of heart disease and stroke in your family.
Type 2 diabetes accounts for 85–90% of all diabetes and can be affected by lifestyle choices.
It usually occurs in adults but younger people and even children are now developing the condition.
People at risk of type 2 diabetes can delay and in some cases even prevent it by following a healthy lifestyle, like regular physical activity, making healthy food choices and achieving a healthier body weight, especially if they have been told that they have risk factors for diabetes.
It is strongly associated with high blood pressure, abnormal blood fats and the classic ‘apple shape’ body where there is extra weight around the waist.
Men: Don’t Take Your Health For Granted
There’s not a more important time to book your next appointment than now.
It could save your life.
