The Tests Men Need

A man can feel healthy and able but still vulnerable to serious disease. Here are the top five tests men should seek. All but the diabetes test should be part of a regular physical exam.

PROSTATE CANCER

Why

The leading cancer in men. One in eight men over 60 is at risk; one in six over a lifetime. It can lead to impotence, and if untreated, death.

When, What & How Often

Starting at age 50 a digital rectal exam and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test yearly. Starting at age 40 if you are black or your father, brother or son has the disease

CHOLESTEROL LEVEL

Why

An indicator of heart disease which men may develop in their 40s (a decade earlier than women). Three men in 100 die of the disease yearly

When, What & How Often

Blood test measuring low density, high density and total cholesterol levels and triglycerides. Ages 20-40, every five years; 41-50 every two years; over 50,yearly.

BLOOD PRESSURE

Why

One in four men 55 or older has high blood pressure, a factor in heart disease and impotence. There rarely are symptoms: You must be tested.

When, What & How Often

From age 20 the standard arm cuff test (systolic/diastolic pressures). If normal every two years; if mildly elevated, every year; if high (140/90), every two months.

COLON CANCER

Why

Early detection can save lives, as the disease takes nearly a decade to develop. At present 28,000 men die yearly from colorectal cancer.

When, What & How Often

Starting at age 50 a fecal-occult blood test every year, a flexible sigmoidoscopy or barium enema X-ray every five years, a colonoscopy every decade.

DIABETES

Why

Rates are rising for men for diabetes, a silent disease that, if untreated, can lead to impotence, blindness, amputated limbs and heart disease.

When, What & How Often

Starting at age 45, a fasting plasma glucose or oral glucose-tolerance blood test every three years if your blood sugar level is normal; every two years if it isn’t normal

This is taken from an article in Parade Magazine, June 9, 2002