“Movember” is an annual movement growing of mustaches during November to raise awareness of men’s health issues, such as prostate cancer.  The goal is to increase early cancer detection, diagnosis and effective treatments, and ultimately reduce the number of preventable deaths.  There are specific times when you should see your provider. Below are screening guidelines for men.  Dr. Jeff Ulery is supporting men’s health by growing his own mustache.  You can keep up with Dr. J’s whisker growth on any of our social media links.  

Men ages 18-39 years

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING

• Have your blood pressure checked every 2 years unless is the top number (systolic number) is between 120 – 139 or the bottom number (diastolic number) is between 80 – 89 mm Hg or higher. Then have it checked every year.
• Watch for blood pressure screenings in your neighborhood or workplace. Ask your provider if you can stop in to have your blood pressure checked. Or check your blood pressure using the automated machines at local grocery stores and pharmacies.
• If the top number is greater than 140, or the bottom number is greater than 90, schedule an appointment with your provider.
• If you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or certain other conditions, you may need to have your blood pressure checked more often.

DIABETES SCREENING

• If you have a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 and have other risk factors for diabetes, you should be screened. Having a BMI over 25 means that you are overweight.

DENTAL EXAM

• Go to the dentist every year for an exam and cleaning.

EYE EXAM

• If you have vision problems, have an eye exam about every 2 years.

PHYSICAL EXAM

• You should see your provider for preventive health exams every 2 years.
• Healthy young people usually do not need blood tests.
• Your height, weight, and BMI should be checked at every exam.

TESTICULAR EXAM

• The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends against performing testicular self-exam. Doing testicular exams has no benefit.

 

Men ages 40 – 64 years

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING

• Have your blood pressure checked every 2 years. If the top number (systolic number) is between 120 – 139 or the bottom number (diastolic number) is between 80 – 89 mm Hg then have it checked every year.
• Watch for blood pressure screenings in your area. Ask your provider if you can stop in to have your blood pressure checked. Or check your blood pressure using the automated machines at local grocery stores and pharmacies.
• If the top number is greater than 140 or the bottom number is greater than 90, schedule an appointment with your provider.
• If you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or certain other conditions, you may need to have your blood pressure checked more often.

CHOLESTEROL SCREENING AND HEART DISEASE PREVENTION

• If you are over age 34, you should be checked every 5 years.
• If you have high cholesterol levels, diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or certain other conditions, you may need to be checked more often.
• Some men should consider taking aspirin to prevent heart attacks. Ask your provider before you start aspirin because aspirin can increase your risk for bleeding.

DIABETES SCREENING

• If you are over age 45, you should be screened every 3 years.
• If you are overweight, ask your provider if you should be screened at a younger age.

COLON CANCER SCREENING

• If you are under age 50, you should be screened only if you have a strong family history of colon cancer or polyps, or if you have had inflammatory bowel disease or polyps.
• If you are between ages 50 – 75, you should be screened for colorectal cancer. This may involve:
• A stool test done every year
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 – 10 years along with a stool guaiac test
• Colonoscopy every 10 years

You may need a colonoscopy more often if you have risk factors for colon cancer, such as:

• Ulcerative colitis
• A personal or family history of colorectal cancer
• A history of large colorectal adenomas

DENTAL EXAM

• Go to the dentist every year for an exam and cleaning.

EYE EXAM

• Have an eye exam every 1 – 3 years if you have vision problems or glaucoma risk.

PHYSICAL EXAM

• You should have a preventive health visit every 2 years until age 50, and then once a year.
• Routine diagnostic tests are not recommended.
• Your height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) should be checked at every exam.

PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING

• Most men age 50 or older should discuss screening for prostate cancer with their provider. African American men and those with a family history of prostate cancer should discuss screening at age 45.
• The potential benefits of PSA testing have not been shown to outweigh the harms of testing and treatment. If you choose to be tested, the PSA blood test is most often done every year.
• Prostate examinations are no longer routinely done on men with no symptoms.

TESTICULAR EXAM

• The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) now recommends against performing testicular self-exams. Doing testicular self-exams has no benefit.

LUNG CANCER SCREENING

The USPSTF recommends annual screening for lung cancer with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) in adults aged 55 – 80 years who:

• Have a 30 pack-year smoking history AND
• Currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years