Screenings | Dr. Sam

Screenings for 3 biggest risks

The three leading medical causes of death for men in the United States are heart disease, cancer, and stroke, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - and health screenings are the best prevention against these killers. For example, 90 percent of testicular cancer is curable if caught early.

The "Men's Guide to Health Tests and Screenings" recommends specific tests and screenings aimed squarely at preventing the "big three." More frequent or additional testing may be necessary due to medical or family history.

During their annual check-up, men should ask the doctor about a diabetes test - which simply involves taking a blood sample after an overnight fast to measure blood sugar levels. They should also talk with their doctor about diet and nutrition, changes in bowel habits, sexual health, diet and nutrition, exercise, and any stressful situations or mental or emotional problems they're having.

Guide to Health Tests and Screenings

Preventive care is just plain smart - not only for detecting warning signals of heart disease, cancer, and stroke, but for heading off other potential problems at the pass.

Here's a guide to screening tests aimed squarely at preventing the "big three" - heart disease, cancer, and stroke.

Test or screening	How often	Why?
Testicular exam Age 15 and over	Self-exam monthly; Professional exam	Testicular cancer is 90% curable if caught early
Routine physical exam Age 18 and over	Once a year or as directed by doctor	To maintain health and catch problems early. Should include professional skin cancer exam
Blood pressure check Age 21 and over	Once a year	High blood pressure or hypertension is a risk for heart disease, strokes, and other problems
Colorectal exams Age 50 and older -Fecal occult blood test -Colonoscopy & digital rectal exam (DRE) -Double-contrast barium enema & DRE	Every 5 years Every 10 years Every 5 - 10 years	To screen for colorectal cancer, which is highly treatable if detected early
Electrocardiogram for Age 18 and over	As directed by doctor	Can detect heart attacks and abnormal heart rhythms
Prostate specific antigen (PSA)Age 50 and over. If family history of prostate cancer and/or if African American, as directed by doctor.	Once a year	To detect prostate cancer, the most common cancer among males. Rectal exam recommended at the same time.

*Sponsored by the U.S. Army Office of the Surgeon General, the U.S. Army Center for Health and Preventive Medicine, the Army National Guard, and the Office of the Chief, Army, 2004.