This Father's Day, Remind Dad About Health Screenings

Father's Day is a great day to celebrate fathers! It's also a great day to take stock of men's health and well being, to help Dad enjoy many more Father's Days.

Men lead women in 14 of the top 15 causes of death in the United States. More than half of premature deaths in men are preventable. But most men are not aware that simple screening tests can dramatically improve their health. University of Maryland Medical Center experts offer this list:

Heart Health. Cardiovascular disease kills over 410,000 men each year. Risk factors for diseases of the heart and blood vessels, such as high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol, can begin in the thirties. Mandeep R. Mehra, MBBS, head of cardiology at the University of Maryland Medical Center, tells us that unfortunately many men do not pay attention to the heart and may feel invulnerable to heart disease.

Recommendations: (1) Blood pressure. Normal blood pressure in adults is below 120/80. High blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. One out of every four men has high blood pressure, but many men are unaware that they have it. High blood pressure is sometimes called the "silent killer," because it usually has no noticeable symptoms until other serious problems occur. Blood pressure should be checked at least every two years, starting at age 18, or more frequently if it is at or above 140/90 or if you have other risk factors. Ask your doctor. Don't have time for an appointment with a health care provider? Stop by a neighborhood fire station for a free blood pressure check-up. (2) Cholesterol. Your total cholesterol number should be below 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) and your good cholesterol (HDL) should be 40 mg/dL or higher. A lipid panel test (a simple blood test that measures blood fats such as cholesterol or triglyceride) is recommended for all men age 35 and up, and much earlier if heart disease runs in the family.

Diabetes. This chronic disease can be life threatening if it is not controlled. Complications include: heart disease and stroke, blindness or vision problems, nerve damage, kidney damage, gum disease, sleep apnea, and depression. Risk factors include: obesity, a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal blood fat levels, and an inactive lifestyle.

Recommendations: According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, men age 45 or over, especially those who are overweight, should be screened for diabetes. Testing is also strongly recommended in men younger than 45 who are overweight with one or more risk factors. If results are normal, testing is recommended every three years.

Prostate Health. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind lung cancer. The best way for a man to protect himself is to catch prostate problems early, when chances of successful treatment are better.

Recommendations: Two prostate screening tests are advised: a physical exam, and a blood test, called a prostate specific antigen test. Dr. Michael J. Naslund of the University of Maryland School of Medicine recommends that men begin the physical exam and the PSA test at age 50. Two groups at higher risk for prostate cancer—men with a family history of the cancer and African-American men—should begin the screening when they are 40.

Colorectal (Colon) Cancer. Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of non-skin cancer in men, after prostate cancer and lung cancer. Healthcare providers suggest one or more tests for colorectal cancer screening. These include a colonoscopy, which is used to visually examine the lining of the large intestine. Other screening methods include virtual colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and double contrast barium.

Recommendations: The American Cancer Society recommends that beginning at age 50, men at average risk for developing colorectal cancer receive a colonoscopy every 10 years; or a flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years; or a virtual colonoscopy every five years. Men with a family history of colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps or a personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease should begin screening earlier.

Skin Cancer. Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. According to the American Cancer Society, men are more likely to develop skin cancers than women. One form of skin cancer, called melanoma, causes about 73 percent of skin cancer deaths.

Recommendations: A monthly mole self-exam should be performed by men in all age groups. In addition, starting at age 20, a doctor should do a mole exam every three years. For men 40 and older, a doctor should do a mole exam every year.

Additional Screening

The University of Maryland team also reminds men to speak with their healthcare provider about the right schedule for dental exams, vision and hearing care screenings and immunizations.

Source: University of Maryland Medical Center.