A leading GP has shared the ‘health MOT’ he believes every man should undertake to maximize their life expectancy.
Dr. Donald Grant, who is also a senior clinical advisor for The independent pharmacyurges men to undergo a series of tests to detect a series of deadly diseases in time.
By detecting diseases in the early stages, there is the best possible chance of treatment or taking steps to avoid getting sick altogether, he adds.
Dr Grant said: “When it comes to men’s health, there are a range of routine checks that can be carried out at home or with a licensed GP, to catch problems as early as possible.”
“There are a number of health problems that become more common with age, including prostate cancer, while younger men are at greater risk of testicular cancer.”
With the start of Men’s Health Awareness Month, better known as Movember, this week, other tests for heart and eye health have also been added that should also be considered part of normal self-care.
Testicular cancer self-management
“Testicular cancer can affect any man of any age, but it is most prominent in white men aged 18 to 45,” said Dr Grant, who is based in Bristol.
Terry Rosoman, 38, from South Wales, walked around the Brecon Beacons on a 75-mile phallus-shaped route, to raise money and awareness of men’s health issues for Movember.
“I can’t emphasize enough the importance of a monthly self-assessment.”
He National Health Service recommends that men and boys start checking their testicles from puberty onward, usually around age 12.
Ideally, this should be done during or immediately after a warm bath or shower to relax the scrotum.
Dr Grant said: ‘To check for lumps, first check for signs of swelling in the scrotum before assessing each testicle by gently rolling it between your index finger and thumb, feeling for lumps.
‘If a person feels a lump or notices any change in the size of the testicles, it is important to seek urgent medical attention.
“Blood tests can be done to properly diagnose the problem as testicular cancer.”
Know your cholesterol levels
“Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is crucial to reducing the risk of developing heart disease or stroke,” Dr. Grant said.
Men can perform finger-prick cholesterol tests at home or a GP can perform a blood test and send the sample for further analysis.
There are two types of cholesterol that doctors are most concerned about: high- and low-density lipoproteins (HDL and LDL).
HDL has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, while LDL can have the opposite effect, clogging arteries and reducing blood flow.
“Men can perform finger-prick tests at home, giving them an accurate reading of their cholesterol,” adds Dr. Grant.
“In addition, a GP can perform a blood test and send the sample for further analysis.”
Get a blood pressure test
Dr Grant continues: ‘Early diagnosis of high blood pressure is important to avoid life-threatening conditions such as heart disease and stroke.
‘High blood pressure is often asymptomatic, which highlights the importance of regular monitoring, allowing men to avoid further decline in their health.
‘To monitor blood pressure levels, you can use a monitor at home or at the doctor, which provides a quick and accurate reading.
There was widespread shock last month when Olympic cycling hero Sir Chris Hoy, 48, revealed he had been diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer.
‘The test consists of wearing a cuff and recording the systolic pressure once inflated and deflated.
“For the most accurate results, check at the same time every day and always test more than once to validate the results.”
Don’t be shy about prostate health
“The risk of developing prostate cancer increases as men age; most people are diagnosed with cancer at age 50 or older,” says Dr. Grant.
«Despite this, it can occur at any time, so regular check-ups are essential for the well-being of men.
“Unfortunately, testing for prostate cancer at home is quite difficult and ultimately it is easier to arrange a consultation with a doctor to get a more accurate result.”
Currently, men over 50 can request a PSA blood test, which can detect problems with the prostate, regardless of symptoms.
PSA, which is short for prostate-specific antigen, is a protein released by the prostate, a gland located beneath the bladder and involved in semen production.
Dr Grant says: “Vision testing is not limited to visits to the optician and can be easily measured at home using an eye chart or vision test, available online.”
A high PSA level can mean that there is something wrong with the prostate, and although in most cases this does not mean cancer, it can mean that it does.
Men under 50 can also be tested if they experience symptoms that indicate prostate problems, such as changes in urinary frequency.
There are growing calls for all men to be offered a PSA test to screen for prostate cancer from the age of 40.
There was widespread shock last month when Olympic cycling hero Sir Chris Hoy, 48, revealed he had been diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer.
Don’t forget your eye health
Dr Grant says: ‘Vision testing is not limited to visits to the optician and can be easily measured at home using an eye chart or vision test, available online.
‘Eye charts are effective at recording vision loss, while online tests are a great way to quickly check astigmatism and light sensitivity.
‘For more detailed tests, men can make an appointment with the optician, but eye health can be easily monitored at home, allowing people to detect changes in their vision before it worsens dramatically.
Actor James Van Der Beek took to social media on Sunday afternoon to reveal that he has been diagnosed with cancer.
The disease has increased by 50 percent in people under the age of 50 over the past three decades, and the disease is more common in men.
‘Overall, Men’s Health Awareness Month throughout November is a reminder of how important it is to have these health screenings done regularly.
“Men can quickly identify and detect dangerous conditions early, giving them the best chance of making a full recovery.”
Watch for intestinal changes.
Dawson’s Creek heartthrob James Van Der Beek’s revelations last week that he has colorectal cancer at the age of just 47 have fueled growing concern about cases in young people.
the disease has increased by 50 percent in people under 50 over the past three decades, and the disease is more common in men.
It is vital that everyone is aware of the key symptoms, including changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea and constipation.
A change in the frequency of bowel movements or feeling like you need to go to the bathroom, even if you just went.
Blood in the stool or in the bathroom or bleeding from the rectum are also telltale signs.
Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, bloating or feeling full even when little has been eaten, and changes in appetite are also seen.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should see their GP and may be referred to a colorectal clinic for further investigations.
