What screening tests do you actually need?
All sorts of screening tests can be found for an array of possible health problems. So which one do you would like? Most of those fall into two categories: tests that just about all men should get and tests that men should consider.
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Most doctors follow screening guidelines from the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), an independent panel of experts that evaluates the worth of tests based on the newest scientific evidence. “There are certain things men should have at some point,” says Dr. Heinzelmann. Basically everyone must be screened for the next conditions:
Colon cancer. The USPSTF recommends screening for colon cancer in people ages 45 to 75. For people ages 76 to 85, the choice must be based on life expectancy, overall health, and past screening results. After age 85, routine screening is more prone to do harm than good. There are several ways to screen for colon cancer:
- Colonoscopy is the gold standard for screening. A physician eases a skinny, flexible tube with a tiny video camera into the rectum. He or she examines your complete colon to search for, and possibly remove, growths called polyps. If no polyps are found, it's best to repeat the exam in 10 years. If precancerous polyps are removed, your doctor may recommend one other colonoscopy in three to 5 years.
- A versatile sigmoidoscopy is comparable to a colonoscopy, however the doctor examines only the lower a part of the colon, where most polyps form. This option is repeated every five years. If precancerous polyps are found, you will want a colonoscopy.
- CT colonography uses a CT scan to view your complete colon. Although this test can see polyps, they require a colonoscopy to be removed. This test is repeated every five years.
- Stool-based tests are a less invasive option. If the result's positive, you will want a colonoscopy. There are several types. The guaiac-based fecal occult blood test (gFOBT) and the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) work similarly. You place stool samples on test cards, place them within the container provided, and send them to your doctor for evaluation. These should occur yearly. The multitargeted stool DNA test — also known by its brand name, Cologard — combines FIT with a test that appears for mutated DNA in a stool sample you send to the lab. It is given each one to 3 years.
Diabetes. Although it's an excellent idea for all adults to get a minimum of one blood sugar test, about 75% of men within the U.S. are considered obese or obese (having a body mass index of 25 or higher). This puts them at a better risk of diabetes, and so they must be screened for type 2 diabetes from age 35.
Other candidates are those with a blood pressure reading of 135/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or higher or who're currently taking blood pressure medications. To diagnose diabetes (and pre-diabetes), doctors normally order a fasting blood glucose test, or a non-fasting hemoglobin A1c level that measures the common of blood glucose levels over the past two to 3 months. shows
Hepatitis C This virus causes an infection that may damage the liver. All adults as much as age 79 must have a blood test for hepatitis C, especially those that use injection drugs or have done so up to now. “It's a one-time screening for people with normal liver function and no significant risk factors,” says Dr. Heinzelman.
High blood pressure. Adults should check their blood pressure a minimum of annually. Current guidelines define hypertension as a systolic measurement (the primary number) of 120 to 129 and a diastolic measurement (the second number) of lower than 80. A reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher is taken into account high blood. Pressure.
Having your blood pressure checked on the doctor's office can provide an accurate baseline reading, says Dr. Heinzelman. “But you should also use a home blood pressure monitor to compare the numbers, because some people have white coat syndrome, which is a condition where a person has high blood pressure when they go to the doctor. There are,” he says.
If your hypertension has worsened, your doctor may recommend rechecking after 4 to 6 months.
HIV. The USPTF recommends a minimum of one blood test for all men as much as age 65 and for men over age 65 who've had multiple sexual partner or who've began a brand new relationship.
Pass these tests.The USPSTF recommends against prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing for prostate cancer screening in men age 70 and older. However, PSA testing for men ages 55 to 69 is a person decision, so seek the advice of your doctor. The USPSTF has also weighed in on some routine screening tests with insufficient evidence that they provide more profit than potential harm. These tests include routine electrocardiograms (ECGs), oral examinations to search for cancer, and tests for vitamin D deficiency, hearing loss, sleep apnea, osteoporosis (men only), and celiac disease. Of course, these tests could also be appropriate for men with particular risks or symptoms. |
Consider them.
Men also needs to consider the next screening tests in the event that they are at increased risk for a certain condition. “Talk to your doctor about whether these apply to you,” says Dr. Heinzelman.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). It is inflammation of the lower a part of the body's essential blood vessel. Over time, the condition may worsen and the aorta may rupture. Men aged 65 to 75 who've ever smoked must have an ultrasound once. Most people won't have symptoms, but they might include a throbbing sensation near the navel and pain within the chest, lower back, or above the kidneys.
Hepatitis C. People who're almost certainly to be infected with the hepatitis B virus must be screened with a blood test, because many individuals who've the virus don't show symptoms until the liver becomes inflamed or they've Do not develop cirrhosis (liver ulcers). People at high risk include those that are HIV positive, have used injection drugs, share a household with someone infected with the virus, and have men in same-sex relationships.
lung cancer. Adults aged 50 to 80 years who've smoked the equivalent of 1 pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years and who currently smoke or have quit throughout the past 15 years have annual low-dose lung cancer. A T scan must be considered.
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